tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72845588179061214432024-03-12T15:57:21.875-07:00Flying Circus Studios - Kurt J. MeyersPortfolio of works, tips and comments. Custom furniture and fine woodworking since 1977. Flagstaff, Arizona. Please visit our online shop: www.flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-28138026233402271622024-03-05T19:23:00.000-07:002024-03-05T19:23:57.228-07:00Furniture Making: Art or Craft?, A Reflection<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cGA3W_kdPcdqvQ1w7pxNABvld-VEk10Y3tzZYuRlKTIswHgEgr8fZlEPFkiMnN3jam94je_EtOv09na9luyrChAD5IJ9kbX_rZgH1u-2BQ48msiT9blkrxavNNCm3SviypZr6qjcadI-hjeCx7h3jVdXDD95CSCq4LAlph6uHkzn56iVwlhG_a3cYmU/s3529/20240301_130921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3529" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cGA3W_kdPcdqvQ1w7pxNABvld-VEk10Y3tzZYuRlKTIswHgEgr8fZlEPFkiMnN3jam94je_EtOv09na9luyrChAD5IJ9kbX_rZgH1u-2BQ48msiT9blkrxavNNCm3SviypZr6qjcadI-hjeCx7h3jVdXDD95CSCq4LAlph6uHkzn56iVwlhG_a3cYmU/w400-h263/20240301_130921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">When is the last time you sat down for
a good cup of coffee at a Shakespearean love sonnet or hung your coat
on Dante's <i>Inferno</i>? When is the last time you put your clean
socks in a Steve Martin movie or slid your dishes into a Greek
tragedy? When is the last time you stored your books in a Beethoven
symphony or reached to silence your alarm on the Song of Solomon?
When is the last time you relaxed to watch TV on the <i>History of
the World </i>by H.G.Wells, or played poker on a ballet, or put
your feet up on a good model of the universe? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">No, not recently.
These nine absurd suggestions encompass the nine Greek Muses of
the arts and are meant to point out a chasm. In order, they are Erato, Muse of lyric and love poetry; Calliope, Muse of heroic or epic poetry; Thalia, Muse of comedy; Melpomene, Muse of tragedy; Euterpe, Muse of music; Polyhymnia, Muse
of sacred poetry; Clio, the Muse of history; Terpsichore, the Muse of dance and finally something that we typically don't, but
probably should, consider an art: Urania, Muse of astronomy. The
list juxtaposes these arts to nine common articles of furniture, all
of which I have made numerous times, not infrequently with the image
of myself as an artist. Yes, it's nice, thinking a of oneself as an
artist, a certain elevation and sophistication of life ensues, but in
truth a wide chasm separates furniture making and artistic creation.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">In a
nod to my Greek heritage, I think the original Muses still provide a
decent measure of what constitutes art. I distill the matter into a
simple question: “Is it useful?” The word furnish itself means <span lang="en"><b>to
supply with what is useful or necessary, to fit out, provide, equip.</b></span><b>
</b>Furniture
existed in ancient Greece, even in ancient Egypt, and yet the Greeks
assigned no Muse to its creation. In my opinion if an object is
useful, no matter how intricately decorated, no matter what the skill
level required, no matter how beautiful, it is craft, of the finest
order perhaps, but still craft. These Muses inspired works with no
utilitarian purpose or use. My creations as a furniture-maker were
quite the opposite.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Back
in the day I was often a participant, organizer and/or juror of a
show held at the Coconino Center for the Arts in Flagstaff, Arizona
with the simple and unpretentious title of “Useful Objects.” It
was later renamed as a list of materials, but its purpose was to
showcase the local area's best weavers, blacksmiths, potters,
beadmakers, carvers, quilters, metalworkers, woodworkers, jewelry
makers, etc. Now all these crafts are similar to furniture making
insofar as the use or purpose, even if that be personal adornment, is
the essential defining element. Rarely a piece, say wood marquetry or
fabric, would have no other destiny than to be hung on a wall much as a Salvador Dali print would be. The <b>arts</b> of painting,
photography, sculpture, drawing and printmaking were not part of
this show. It was a <b>craft
</b>show.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">To help further clarify my distinction between art and craft I
introduce the concept of the “blank canvas,” which I use as
shorthand for other blanks, whether they be blank paper, unexposed
film, block of marble, music staff paper, digital void, etc. I never
entered my shop, no not once, though I guess I could have, to face a "blank canvas." I always knew exactly the purpose to which my piece
would be put, though there might a thousand ways to approach it. The
essential element was use or purpose, which predetermined most of
what followed. I could have proceeded to make, for instance, a table
six feet tall, but then it would have been sculpture, heh? A jeweler,
likewise, does not make an earring with no means of attachment. A
potter does not make a plate with mountainous terrain on it.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I could not help but inquire of my friendly AI companion what it had
to say on the distinction between art and craft, and it turns out it
concurs with the Greeks. Here you go:</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span>Art
is an expression and application of imagination and creative skill.
It is a form of communication that is intended to evoke an emotional
response from the viewer. The purpose of creating a work of art is to
make something that can be appreciated for its aesthetic beauty. The
creative visual arts are traditionally painting, sculpture,
photography, or drawing. The performing arts include theater, dance,
music, opera, musical theater, magic, puppetry, comedy, circus and
improvisation. </span></i><span>(Filmmaking
was treated separately from performing arts.)</span></span></p>
<p><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Craft,
on the other hand, involves the creation of functional or decorative
items, often requiring a specific set of skills and following a
predetermined plan or pattern. Crafts can include weaving, carving,
pottery, embroidery, macrame, beading, sewing, quilting, and many
other forms. The purpose of creating a craft is to make something
that is useful or decorative. Crafts may sometimes be called
decorative arts.</i></span></span></p>
<p>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is great joy to the
craftsperson in creating a piece of fine workmanship. Theirs is a
life of considerable pleasure, fascination and absorption. Nonetheless, I daresay nearly every craftsperson has entertained the question as to whether or not they were an "artist." I for one, after many years of thinking myself an artist, now make a clear distinction between the creative process involved in art and the creative
process involved in craft, which is so front weighted by utility and function. Alas, I would like too, but I cannot say furniture making is one of the arts, and neither do the ancient Greeks nor Microsoft.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span><br />
</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;"><br />
</span></p></div><p><br /></p>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-32068537635864225742024-02-08T14:52:00.001-07:002024-02-08T14:52:39.078-07:00Maker's Time, A Reflection<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt1adKpapLIOSYKmnLfYkFC6xRNK_QmiFLOnHJeowsZX5turaUq61gKyrYB5F9rX0BvzGwRAaF6li3Sb9NOxxm-r4qEtQwYIkJf1Bkb6FMjsuOTq8gOtsbffr-9dyRtKAVBk2kP_Q4mAc0INiZ-UhALYp9f3yCA0ebtBpW8JxCMoNq8vBlYOXgOD0Bs4/s3024/20240127_125517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt1adKpapLIOSYKmnLfYkFC6xRNK_QmiFLOnHJeowsZX5turaUq61gKyrYB5F9rX0BvzGwRAaF6li3Sb9NOxxm-r4qEtQwYIkJf1Bkb6FMjsuOTq8gOtsbffr-9dyRtKAVBk2kP_Q4mAc0INiZ-UhALYp9f3yCA0ebtBpW8JxCMoNq8vBlYOXgOD0Bs4/w400-h400/20240127_125517.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I
am thinking it's time for this blog to take a new direction. In the
past the emphasis has been on particular works and woodworking
tips...what and how. Needless to say, the sole proprietor
woodworker's life is all-consuming. There are customers to meet,
plans to draw, materials to buy, catalogs to savor, parts lists to
compile, schedules to extend, tools to accumulate, new jigs to
clutter space, blogs to write, maintenance to defer, shop to clean,
wood to cut, rout and sand, components to assemble, completed works
to finish and deliveries to make. Some family time and sleep are then
well in order, but reflection would be a luxury. Nonetheless, given
the subject of this blog is my career as a woodworker, it seems
appropriate to do some reflecting on this life now that the shutters
are largely drawn. That brings me to the primary ingredient of my
work, the irascible and evanescent element of time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes,
my only plea to the clock was to slow down. Having done
various rote jobs in my life, though fortunately never for very long,
I knew well the meaning of watching the clock. Yet how opposite to
watching the clock were the hours spent in the shop, avoiding any
flirtatious, even fearful glances in the direction of the clock,
whose hands seemed visibly to rotate. As the workday began to draw
to a close, in the late afternoon, the hands experienced even further
acceleration. The speed of time's movement at times slipped into a
transcendence of time. I feel very lucky, indeed, to have, not
always, but often, enjoyed this state of absorption, enhanced not only
by the manual nature of the work, but also by the lack of an
overseer. Also, the opportunity of losing a finger at any moment
enhances attention nicely. Much of my working life passed this way.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I once spent a lovely summer living
alone in a brown log cabin not far from the shore of Lake Superior.
It was situated on a grassy knoll just above a small stream sprinkled
with small boulders and falls, rapid flowing. A talkative stream it
was, and at times I would swear to hear the conversations of
passerby. It must have been spring-fed as it never wavered in its
flow, hour to hour, week to week, rain or sun, all summer long.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Current psychology has a term, quite
applicable to this stream, a term I rather like, “flow state.”
This describes well the absorption I could feel in the shop. Some of
the characteristics of this flow state tally with my own experience:
complete concentration along with an absence of rumination,
performing well-rehearsed tasks with effortlessness, the challenge of
the work closing in on, though not exceeding, my skill level,
pleasure and reward in seeing my goals accomplished...that pile of
rough boards at the day's start transforming into a useful, perhaps
even beautiful, object. And, not the least, the fleeting
transcendence of time.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I have often thought of the following
passage, one of my favorites, in reference to my woodworking life, a
passage from Henry David Thoreau's <i>Walden</i> which describes perhaps the ultimate flow state,
an artist who passes beyond Time:</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">There was an artist in the
city of Kuoroo who was disposed to strive after perfection. One day
it came into his mind to make a staff, Having considered that in an
imperfect work time is an ingredient, but into a perfect work time
does not enter, he said to himself, It shall be perfect in all
respects, though I should do nothing else in my life. He proceeded
instantly into the forest for wood, being resolved that it should not
be made out of imperfect material; and as he searched for it and
rejected stick after stick, his friends gradually deserted him, for
they grew old in their works and died, but he grew not older by a
moment. His singleness of purpose and resolution, and his elevated
piety, endowed him, without his knowledge, with perennial youth. As
he made no compromise with Time, Time kept out of his way, and only
sighed at a distance as he could not overcome him. Before he found a
stick in all respects suitable the city of Kuoroo was a hoary ruin,
and he sat on one of its mounds to peel the stick. Before he had
given it the proper shape the dynasty of the Candahars was at an end,
and with the point of stick he wrote the name of the last of that
race in the sand, and then resumed his work. By the time he had
smoothed and polished the staff Kalpa was no longer the pole star,
and ere he had put on the ferule and the head adorned with precious
stones, Brahma had awoke and slumbered many times. But why do I stay
to mention these things? When the finishing stroke was put to his
work, it suddenly expanded before the eyes of the astonished artist
into the fairest of all the creations of Brahma. He had made a new
system in making a staff, a world with full and fair proportions; in
which, though the old cities and dynasties had passed away, fairer
and more glorious ones had taken their places. And now he saw by the
heap of shavings still fresh at his feet, that, for him and his work,
the former lapse of time had been an illusion, and no more time had
passed than is required for a single scintillation from the brain of
Brahma to fall on and inflame the tinder of a mortal brain. The
material was pure and his art was pure; how could the result be other
than wonderful.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p><br /><br />
</p></div><p><br /> </p>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-14858115215257458422024-01-30T06:51:00.033-07:002024-01-31T05:55:21.526-07:00M.V. HYAK Complete<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHPxjUAjW9xBm7w5jbFdEujob0-XYkxZF7bg46MbH0VwPn1xuJmRvyc5AvLPzSNoGormrXeqyFscO-tcgF9TXw-3NK5y5IO8K4QPqWTTQvEc-WF8SjhffsKBUg5hRdcp44R-FbBf1trBMFDvlhLC0gYqWesCZL_IRaD1u-O2z_Tbo0RJ6-etvHQx8DnA/s4608/Olympus.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHPxjUAjW9xBm7w5jbFdEujob0-XYkxZF7bg46MbH0VwPn1xuJmRvyc5AvLPzSNoGormrXeqyFscO-tcgF9TXw-3NK5y5IO8K4QPqWTTQvEc-WF8SjhffsKBUg5hRdcp44R-FbBf1trBMFDvlhLC0gYqWesCZL_IRaD1u-O2z_Tbo0RJ6-etvHQx8DnA/w400-h300/Olympus.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Tom Schell's exceptional model of the Washington State ferry M.V. Hyak is complete, but
this is not new news:<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">It has been convenient these last few years to be able to blame various personal and business
failings on COVID, but, alas, I cannot use that excuse to justify the
three years, two month's hiatus between my first M.V. Hyak blog post
and this second one. The delay is curiously a result of the precision
craftsmanship of the ferry's builder, Thomas R. Schell. When he
handed over the completed model to me for photography I planned to
show each deck. I did not realize, however, that in removing the sun deck
I had inadvertently taken the restaurant deck with it, so perfectly
were they joined, yet with no mechanical attachment. Thus, I missed it
entirely in the photo shoot and proceeded straight to the passenger
deck. Since this photo shoot immediately preceded my moving away from our mutual hometown of Tucson, only recently has it been possible to rectify the error. The
lack of any other blog entries whatsoever is another matter altogether.</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Considering that Tom Schell's entire model
is designed and constructed “from scratch,” the tight fit of each
of the decks is quite amazing. Due to the lightness of the thin
bass wood used throughout, even the slightest distortion of a single
deck would result in defective mating with gaps amidship or fore and
aft. For instance, the passenger deck had a slight upward bow at its
ends when finally complete. Tom placed small thin lead weights on
either end until it settled upon the car deck below, and then he
glued these to the underside of the passenger deck resulting in its
perfect mating. Likely, removing these today would make no difference.
To ensure that a light breeze would not send decks sailing, we added some hidden
weight to the topmost deck, the sun deck. I bored out the bottom of
the two stacks in order to insert lead split shot. <i>Do review the
previous <a href="https://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2020/11/mv-hyak.html" target="_blank">post</a> for Tom's own description of his work and other deck photos.</i> So, without
further ado here is the missing restaurant deck:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AK40hx3elEKToU2g0u2I7HkzYws6fXxub-ZYU6HRcj2hDKhvz81z_zAA7AaFbGT6Cld-xi3pZLmfCrb9I-KXFhb1VEtTvM_HPOT1hB6ftny9tGJB9BQeYSE9GUaUwJXeOpw4-43wq8ocgRKnxYEyOs6uPezOSR12u-8ug5C3b5TWvwSvatDleGivX4k/s2687/20240111_104843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="2687" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AK40hx3elEKToU2g0u2I7HkzYws6fXxub-ZYU6HRcj2hDKhvz81z_zAA7AaFbGT6Cld-xi3pZLmfCrb9I-KXFhb1VEtTvM_HPOT1hB6ftny9tGJB9BQeYSE9GUaUwJXeOpw4-43wq8ocgRKnxYEyOs6uPezOSR12u-8ug5C3b5TWvwSvatDleGivX4k/w400-h138/20240111_104843.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Three closer views of the restaurant deck, pleasantly, a light passenger load:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LMPR-OZs730TT-G7QhlpqYK1Ixvgh4I0OnYysfN1F6hdCponuSgw7xtXHUI8kbFLZlaj-jKQRXzJZMwGqY2aN70_4HXx4L5wdrMs1q-qeCseWO4BduiEiPRrgN1S-0NWE5nAd3o4C6aNri9-PHmB0k261vaTP5e-hz2ykiJ9BkYnlH_IoqQmHQ-wMU4/s2885/20240111_104859.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2885" data-original-width="2885" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LMPR-OZs730TT-G7QhlpqYK1Ixvgh4I0OnYysfN1F6hdCponuSgw7xtXHUI8kbFLZlaj-jKQRXzJZMwGqY2aN70_4HXx4L5wdrMs1q-qeCseWO4BduiEiPRrgN1S-0NWE5nAd3o4C6aNri9-PHmB0k261vaTP5e-hz2ykiJ9BkYnlH_IoqQmHQ-wMU4/w320-h318/20240111_104859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxx6bHnfO-sm5-jHf90QKEQmrVUWFRkS-RVV9Y8_F07s2nHhnkZkAOtOWfJNp1XTi3gzUUEox2CXifNz2mNR0wgME0X0N9EzGl_moatWelKCt8JHlupzSbQSYtdRj1yiHfJTmN05V-zA2WOvQWP5YawQYrr_nUmZYkQ5a1Y21VJidjlYlWVD9plxtFR8/s3024/20240111_104911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNxx6bHnfO-sm5-jHf90QKEQmrVUWFRkS-RVV9Y8_F07s2nHhnkZkAOtOWfJNp1XTi3gzUUEox2CXifNz2mNR0wgME0X0N9EzGl_moatWelKCt8JHlupzSbQSYtdRj1yiHfJTmN05V-zA2WOvQWP5YawQYrr_nUmZYkQ5a1Y21VJidjlYlWVD9plxtFR8/w320-h320/20240111_104911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwg-4r99OO06CU47SIhuyTkkvK88lNmn-4kiS9GWKxcwq7A7DcMP6wuQXPyaJJnA_qTOrmeCIzhgfuSEVVDN581vzWYpLsXTnqhc8fIDGGLlKHmINR5XVnwbLH05wAjBIsCmdnUNySaEGm58bkzidCjzu-GniOkmcUvMB5PossMtJl83rfFVRyyhLd44/s2708/20240111_104905.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2708" data-original-width="2708" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwg-4r99OO06CU47SIhuyTkkvK88lNmn-4kiS9GWKxcwq7A7DcMP6wuQXPyaJJnA_qTOrmeCIzhgfuSEVVDN581vzWYpLsXTnqhc8fIDGGLlKHmINR5XVnwbLH05wAjBIsCmdnUNySaEGm58bkzidCjzu-GniOkmcUvMB5PossMtJl83rfFVRyyhLd44/w320-h320/20240111_104905.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The passenger deck below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyjk0tQrTPn5JLWwLP6Sd-HUrusXeyViDyh2N76ALVawWLtwuZkKRO0p_wckvfTGc_jpMe2Ep8IIqZUliG4W6_dHsh5skA9F_TBTihHJIVGWbiv4j_tTmPeHPMF1izbCw7DYkfrYg5PJFVdL-dClZtBYwYSH4sZJq0NEuCn-Y4Lb_DVUSJOB8W35YcIo/s3941/20210822_110725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="3941" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLyjk0tQrTPn5JLWwLP6Sd-HUrusXeyViDyh2N76ALVawWLtwuZkKRO0p_wckvfTGc_jpMe2Ep8IIqZUliG4W6_dHsh5skA9F_TBTihHJIVGWbiv4j_tTmPeHPMF1izbCw7DYkfrYg5PJFVdL-dClZtBYwYSH4sZJq0NEuCn-Y4Lb_DVUSJOB8W35YcIo/w400-h140/20210822_110725.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Moving above to the sun deck, Tom built removable roofs over each of the two wheelhouses where we find the pilot and his tools of navigation:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5u59c_T8c4KckYGMw5AKziLPvEE7FAdo6i5Oc3eCD-E3cphPzUW67RutYWLIRUnrAkIxn3qNSR4Y3fY3AfVQtMaszwjg7BzloZH6W3soHU2abLWjOr54zctLB2SMx4HHRrQyGHm91xbxgd6rNuAl2dUrOeuP-jNVsWp3ezVNU5MVjTUkEHg7ETLSQmEs/s3024/20240111_104637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5u59c_T8c4KckYGMw5AKziLPvEE7FAdo6i5Oc3eCD-E3cphPzUW67RutYWLIRUnrAkIxn3qNSR4Y3fY3AfVQtMaszwjg7BzloZH6W3soHU2abLWjOr54zctLB2SMx4HHRrQyGHm91xbxgd6rNuAl2dUrOeuP-jNVsWp3ezVNU5MVjTUkEHg7ETLSQmEs/w320-h320/20240111_104637.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Some notes:</b></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">● <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">All
windows in the vessel are actually glazed. Tom
describes his method in his notes in the Nov. 30, 2020, Hyak post, i.e. sandwiching
clear plastic between two pieces of 1/32” thick bass wood. Note
that all walls had to be shaped to match the contours of the hull. Well, OK, you may say it's not rocket science, but I beg to differ, as that was, in fact, Tom's career path.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> ● <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">Hollow
punches were used to cut round objects from thin bass wood such as the
stools found in the dining area.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> ● <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">This
model is constructed entirely in the traditional handmade manner with no
CNC machinery or laser printers employed. </span>
</p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> ● <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">The
perimeter dado in the solid walnut base, made by yours truly, (see the restaurant deck photo above) receives the custom-made plastic
dust cover which protects the model. Tom was most kind to include a brass plaque on the base attributing my contributions.</span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> ● <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I
asked Tom recently how he counted 5 decks as I only counted 4. He
pointed out that the car deck is actually composed of two levels with ramps
leading up to a “mezzanine.” Here you can barely see the cars tucked underneath
this second deck, again more authenticity:</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUP93WcIgtEAR4BZU1w8adbx2XaVwEOdE_WsDGVrpGKodvleRU6jP-pBeMvNkLfpIw7CFptqhRSxfU6xhtBDR-9LCyyDH7IybkXBTT34jU2qxJNuNaIe5KeXR8PGZ9Dyou57oIL3PHDnS1Ta6uv1YuiskS-E-q_QMDGOlvss4opzTkY5nPAo4aNGgE1yI/s4032/20201120_142523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUP93WcIgtEAR4BZU1w8adbx2XaVwEOdE_WsDGVrpGKodvleRU6jP-pBeMvNkLfpIw7CFptqhRSxfU6xhtBDR-9LCyyDH7IybkXBTT34jU2qxJNuNaIe5KeXR8PGZ9Dyou57oIL3PHDnS1Ta6uv1YuiskS-E-q_QMDGOlvss4opzTkY5nPAo4aNGgE1yI/w640-h480/20201120_142523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I conclude with a note on global warming and ferries. The Washington State Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal in Seattle, for instance, is being rebuilt to accommodate higher tides. Here is view down the car deck of a B.C. Ferry on a recent trip after which we passengers had to exit via the car ramp due to the tide being too high to use the normal passenger ramps:</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXpEb7-MQoUXfmUkthrwr84l8r_wGrU-KIkbkeE71b3lMlXXX_ZeDVVVdSOZ_A_DIwqGTtKL3p_yfW3tJz0JtlkSrTZavy4JKm1ftCk818yofZG1mQMI4KQF1fKNfgU5buDGNdvNbJPvJqjRjOqmaUnPFjXoeUCemcE98VaBb055llctORIKWDOEy3v4/s4608/P7230137.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXpEb7-MQoUXfmUkthrwr84l8r_wGrU-KIkbkeE71b3lMlXXX_ZeDVVVdSOZ_A_DIwqGTtKL3p_yfW3tJz0JtlkSrTZavy4JKm1ftCk818yofZG1mQMI4KQF1fKNfgU5buDGNdvNbJPvJqjRjOqmaUnPFjXoeUCemcE98VaBb055llctORIKWDOEy3v4/s320/P7230137.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-4S-Sr7sd9TjsaUqf7hwPNSZ_dwxMEmV1OwOpr4KVCsvaIlan1hemk97eSDtYnV9_eryPhyaWIHQBUmYkRE8VGqKLZVficXzRqvq4cJ6eAzpZhw9wUYIbeCi1zXdW3J44_4KruqlGPtbzZDe-9LBuBBxyNpi6wSexEppk9nFAVmcIJpTosghX1xEgQQk/s3024/20240111_104911.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><br />Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-33686787754468030312020-11-30T06:16:00.004-07:002024-01-31T05:56:25.608-07:00M.V. HYAK<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OF9gZvMTXBPEC2ve-npR42ExOvDlgYFswmLj9ckb1h45Wbsu0j1wqV6JfrhzVqvSs4LnYBv_X3tkVmUnt6BQ6idLUX6vxsxlLH185b8cYzigriVqRttDNcKK5tV30P7XKCFGNNx77GI/s2048/157b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OF9gZvMTXBPEC2ve-npR42ExOvDlgYFswmLj9ckb1h45Wbsu0j1wqV6JfrhzVqvSs4LnYBv_X3tkVmUnt6BQ6idLUX6vxsxlLH185b8cYzigriVqRttDNcKK5tV30P7XKCFGNNx77GI/w400-h300/157b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">My part was small, but my pleasure is
great. As with previous collaborations presented in this blog my
role amounted to 1%, generously 2%, but like that same part of the
population my wealth was great. At first, I did not believe my
friend Tom, who is a superb model ship builder, when he said he was
about to attempt a ferry vessel but this time from scratch: no
plans, no kit, no directions, no pre-cuts, no dimensions, only photos
and videos of the Washington State Ferry M.V. HYAK. Without question
I spent many times the time over discussions about scaling the hull
than in the actual rough shaping of it. Subsequently we had many a
pleasant chat over coffee at our COVID caf<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">é</span>
in my front patio, hashing over detail after detail. More is yet to
come as additional decks are constructed. Nonetheless, let's get
up-to-date on this monster miniature project and let Mr. Tom Schell
speak for himself: </p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfbGkM6yrNsXe4OD3kbBYEmB6NT4j8PYGJtSoV97qY2xk_pGtfc553aGqsSexdrwPWiFvKjCXoqQPacGmVKTtofFGlqDx8QlpBxi-O0UpjYVR-aHy_r3rEI2t5ViozBLiUCZuIB5fHoM/s2048/350b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfbGkM6yrNsXe4OD3kbBYEmB6NT4j8PYGJtSoV97qY2xk_pGtfc553aGqsSexdrwPWiFvKjCXoqQPacGmVKTtofFGlqDx8QlpBxi-O0UpjYVR-aHy_r3rEI2t5ViozBLiUCZuIB5fHoM/w400-h300/350b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<p></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;">BACKGROUND
</span></span></span></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The
</span><span><b>M.V. HYAK </b></span><span><span style="font-weight: normal;">was
a Super-class ferry that was operated by the Washington State
Ferries; built in 1966 in San Diego and finally retired in 2019.
“Hyak” is a Chinook Indian term meaning “speedy”. The normal
routes were the Seattle-Bremerton or the Anacortes-San Juan Islands
run. At times, other routes were substituted namely the
Edmonds-Kingston. While her sister ferries were up-graded (usually
interior) the HYAK never was so the interior was the original and in
her later days it had started to show. Top speed was around 17 knots
but I suspect the boat was worked at around 15 knots which is approx.
17 mph. The Edmonds to Kingston leg took 30 minutes. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqXENkx-1zQCta2dtwfVEI-LjZmzvtzi9AGtgZ1MlAlNscjE8OJeA3BBFMeIlrhBkaJYHQv09N6c9501vmqhqjJmi6ihSzTsEz13KYjO5xREXC63Q1AWpPJid9c7dhMGOFhnotYyLB3s/s2048/250b.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFqXENkx-1zQCta2dtwfVEI-LjZmzvtzi9AGtgZ1MlAlNscjE8OJeA3BBFMeIlrhBkaJYHQv09N6c9501vmqhqjJmi6ihSzTsEz13KYjO5xREXC63Q1AWpPJid9c7dhMGOFhnotYyLB3s/w320-h240/250b.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><br /><span style="color: white;">Just a few
tidbits from her history: on her maiden run in 1967 she almost rammed
pier 52 in Seattle due to an engine failure, in 1986 she ran aground
outside Anacortes due to a navigational error, and in 2013 she stove
and sank a 27 foot sailboat between Orcas and Shaw islands. Being a
native of the Seattle area and having vacationed there many times
since, I was able to take a “poor man’s cruise” many times on
both the Edmonds and Anacortes routes. For approx. $7.00 a passenger
could purchase a round trip “sea excursion” from Edmonds over to
Kingston and back. Ah, fresh air, the bounding seas, and great fun
for me! </span></span></span></span><span style="color: white;">
</span><span style="color: white;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
</p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;">MODEL
</span></span></span>
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;">I
decided on HYAK more for memorabilia purposes than anything else. But
my memories were not just of the exterior of the boat but also the
interiors (there are five decks). To show these, I decided to build
the model such that these different decks would be visible; hence
each deck is removable in order to see the one below. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPvsWslBqpifAOMdKWxhB8zHi_DmNWIzcpExomquxuLGILetfdPPGP6zAoabsALnKxqDlprfuMMn2RlEvyiMW7DefBIAF-RQk55tq9pkWQDBgxLaSkcyWfhJleQjOqI6fuYl5Z12tvBo/s2048/222b.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPvsWslBqpifAOMdKWxhB8zHi_DmNWIzcpExomquxuLGILetfdPPGP6zAoabsALnKxqDlprfuMMn2RlEvyiMW7DefBIAF-RQk55tq9pkWQDBgxLaSkcyWfhJleQjOqI6fuYl5Z12tvBo/s320/222b.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;">There were no
“model kits” available so I researched what original plans still
existed (only one deck was found on Google) and photos that were
available on line. Plus, there is a “tour” video someone made of
the HYAK</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"> interiors just
before it was decommissioned. I then had to determine on how much
display space I had available and this set the model length at 2
feet. Just by coincidence (it could be referred by some as blind
luck) this, in turn, set the scale at about 1/150 which just happens
to be the scale of “N” gauge railroad models and supporting
scenery. </span></span></span>
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"> Plans
were drawn (old fashioned pencil to paper) and work commenced. I
don’t think I am too far off on the model, but it certainly is not
exact, yet still “close enough for government work”. The material
used was bass wood. To shape the hull I enlisted the aid of Kurt
Meyers who is versed in woodworking and has tools, saws, skill, etc.
and he rough cut the hull which saved a substantial amount of work
for me. Side bulkheads were fashioned from two 1/32” thick bass
wood sheets using clear acrylic for the windows (sandwiched between
two sheets).</span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6l3TeXaNV_2e1AiJ8ktYFaT_1vt_ZpK4m2vUIdJ8Tn-6kt-KJkrnOILFKiW0F3wPHV85N9SM_3Rimk9tdmMeYMhco2MgzYnVGdE-OEnrpQOCs8p1bXqsjaQyOtg0J4z3ZDVGRxgMEUg/s2048/234b.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6l3TeXaNV_2e1AiJ8ktYFaT_1vt_ZpK4m2vUIdJ8Tn-6kt-KJkrnOILFKiW0F3wPHV85N9SM_3Rimk9tdmMeYMhco2MgzYnVGdE-OEnrpQOCs8p1bXqsjaQyOtg0J4z3ZDVGRxgMEUg/s320/234b.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;">“N” gauge railroad scenery was the source for the
coke machines, sinks, human figures, toilets, etc. The paint used was
acrylic, and here I ran into a problem. Acrylic is water based, and
water warps wood. Once again Kurt came to the rescue; all boards are
first coated with shellac which prevents warpage when the final
acrylic paint is applied. To purposely bend the wood where needed it
is first soaked in water and then bent with the aid of a “soldering
iron” device. Note: there is a special tool model makers use to do
this using a round heated cylinder shape instead of a normal sharp
point iron. The automobiles were in part “N” gauge scenery that
were available (expensive) and smaller cars (cheap) that were
originally manufactured in China as cake decorations. </span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRHFfE9gwLBYGpQOgl_9mlTNVf007BI-WA-UbjSigRVyhl1LSe4WwkV0pXB01LVvJJsXNP1ddJ67wqkYQQVA-bVoY7opq_zMYt43qWtFEldwvcHO8CXqrj9DtazYGXt6dSn1416r-YWI/s2048/523b.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRHFfE9gwLBYGpQOgl_9mlTNVf007BI-WA-UbjSigRVyhl1LSe4WwkV0pXB01LVvJJsXNP1ddJ67wqkYQQVA-bVoY7opq_zMYt43qWtFEldwvcHO8CXqrj9DtazYGXt6dSn1416r-YWI/s320/523b.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;">The logs on the
logging truck were made just by staining normal doweling. The stain
soaks in a little and it looks like bark. Glue was cyanoacrylate
(fast drying and structural) or plain old Elmer’s Glue-All (used
where you want to move the parts around a little bit to get the right
position before the glue sets up). Both dry relatively clear. </span></span></span>
</span><span style="color: white;">
</span></span><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span>
</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span><span style="font-size: small;">Notes:
1) The empty areas of the passenger deck (second level) really had
movable chairs positioned there. They put these in so that they could
be used or moved aside for dances (sometimes square dancing) during
the passage. During my trips on the HYAK I never saw any dancing and,
as such, the chairs were always just scattered about or pushed aside.
I have not shown these as it neither adds nor subtracts from the
impression. 2) I have shown the exhaust stacks thru the inner decks
as cylindrical. On the actual boat they are not visible to the
passenger and, therefore, they have to be contained inside the office
space which is a locked room. They well may be some other shape.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO746XxT9usCB-1_x177PT7_3ZEI2PBNIqWZwAidVIm3VzCkl-KJXuXfjDvBOE0yYZBcpNeXavoGH1yHiX7Twf6RgcyonfwVGOPDYnfvMWJqdyaKzIK4CZDYHDYNNtVGExsTacg009qUs/s2048/243b.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO746XxT9usCB-1_x177PT7_3ZEI2PBNIqWZwAidVIm3VzCkl-KJXuXfjDvBOE0yYZBcpNeXavoGH1yHiX7Twf6RgcyonfwVGOPDYnfvMWJqdyaKzIK4CZDYHDYNNtVGExsTacg009qUs/w320-h240/243b.JPG" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rnazNG7Vj88IeTbaBLJztbEA_DE9L4IPyPRB9IuQSAjedAgnoIEzLeBhFLiwKGPncfrqH_3prL3wbwhEsL8PVPRSQP-5ko7u3DRTDGesCawmXp5h5h-HI-BlMYKcVMWywM1R13uYhVA/s2048/232b.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rnazNG7Vj88IeTbaBLJztbEA_DE9L4IPyPRB9IuQSAjedAgnoIEzLeBhFLiwKGPncfrqH_3prL3wbwhEsL8PVPRSQP-5ko7u3DRTDGesCawmXp5h5h-HI-BlMYKcVMWywM1R13uYhVA/w320-h240/232b.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><span style="color: white;"></span></div><span style="color: white;">
</span><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="color: white;">
</span><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="color: white;">
</span><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUECBdayN3Wjm2pbjPS2HMtqex6LmLrnWpZdgYjDpBfHny_b-1L6h6ZCSdX0gBHF1gD2TmwV1fLxDQQ3vFoAGpVWg7uFf4lpwL7_RYwIKmt1PlZ_eWgQeP4cIQhTnS5VJxYfSMkf5WK8/s2048/Hyak_passing_Flat_Point_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2048" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUECBdayN3Wjm2pbjPS2HMtqex6LmLrnWpZdgYjDpBfHny_b-1L6h6ZCSdX0gBHF1gD2TmwV1fLxDQQ3vFoAGpVWg7uFf4lpwL7_RYwIKmt1PlZ_eWgQeP4cIQhTnS5VJxYfSMkf5WK8/w400-h264/Hyak_passing_Flat_Point_04.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span><p align="LEFT" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="color: white;">
</span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-90385450427993176612020-04-09T05:52:00.000-07:002020-04-09T05:55:11.561-07:00Self-Isolation Accessory -- Kindle Holder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQpYnzrX8DwDP_inaN4M6NoQA4CeKjBgl5yLX0Vhv4Z-iwyB4V0vDVLKYzXyqW8GtYCdOx3CX1fRtlXTq-WSjToUlKENoG3jdrxFFnctHcSRorf6oSRs7C-4NakV3PYmV8dQXNZRjjTE/s1600/20200403_135202+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQpYnzrX8DwDP_inaN4M6NoQA4CeKjBgl5yLX0Vhv4Z-iwyB4V0vDVLKYzXyqW8GtYCdOx3CX1fRtlXTq-WSjToUlKENoG3jdrxFFnctHcSRorf6oSRs7C-4NakV3PYmV8dQXNZRjjTE/s400/20200403_135202+%25282%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The mornings pass passably well, but the afternoons can get long. Time then to pick up a good book without cricking the neck or tiring the arms. The hand not changing pages can either rest on the base or wrap around the bottom of the upright. The Kindle is held by light compression, the side supports adjustable tighter or looser. The angle can be changed and the whole assembly flipped over to position the upright on the left side instead. A set of holes in the upright allow the Kindle to be raised or lowered. It can also be moved up or down on its platform to obtain the perfect reading height. The side supports can also be expanded to fit a tablet. Without access to the "shop," this was a fairly easy garage project, for a happy wife is the secret to true business success.</div>
Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-49102230975907792702019-06-13T09:31:00.000-07:002019-07-24T05:16:25.675-07:00Mirror Box/Desktop Vanity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL4NnkrLo3ek3j5MEr0spgQ0FuF89f450qUbILOwBs-cigx5-hnJFnDnTWp3dj01w-aaNoYTjklAhfORYPjK4wFFinhJqcBIKdYXx8T59mXJJxvTXFkyz43tT5-Rk7HXX6SivYbh82Ak/s1600/P8220006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL4NnkrLo3ek3j5MEr0spgQ0FuF89f450qUbILOwBs-cigx5-hnJFnDnTWp3dj01w-aaNoYTjklAhfORYPjK4wFFinhJqcBIKdYXx8T59mXJJxvTXFkyz43tT5-Rk7HXX6SivYbh82Ak/s320/P8220006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
How many the ways to lid a box? Let me
count: oh, really, only a handful. Certainly love has more variety.
Little boxes do come in an absolute myriad of forms, of woods, of
shapes, but when it comes to the lid all are just themes and
variations on the basic handful of methods. So my twist to the
sliding lid, a popular method for pencil boxes, fine liquors, game
pieces, jigsaw puzzles, was to replace the wood with plate glass
mirror. This must be pretty novel as the first ten pages of Google
images for sliding lid box have nary a single sliding mirror lid.
The edges of the plate glass are seamed (relieved) to prevent cuts,
and the glass locks in place by virtue of a slight squeeze in the
dado groove thus requiring no catch. The mirror lid can stand
independently or be positioned upside down in its receiver. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmNlcyD1TVgc2g5uL8iFzPMw-qoXMg0sfIZoQYcvLgrxf_Di_E6l2rsrjexPKeRJ_V8OmjZp5YxWPLmlHMSi_GABC0iBRnzTagsUQYzCQGSpBNsv-bMYXrAcvRwEVSDBkEckpMgQns1k/s1600/P8220011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTmNlcyD1TVgc2g5uL8iFzPMw-qoXMg0sfIZoQYcvLgrxf_Di_E6l2rsrjexPKeRJ_V8OmjZp5YxWPLmlHMSi_GABC0iBRnzTagsUQYzCQGSpBNsv-bMYXrAcvRwEVSDBkEckpMgQns1k/s320/P8220011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I call this the “desktop vanity” or
perhaps the “oh-very-small secretary” or perhaps the “reflective
treasure chest” revealing the only true treasure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qUZX-Wb45lbQ42QLqGhuhpowoPwVaE2SNx8mUn6wshyysfz43Bw4HrF1tRk6UNnrfhzRhT6Onwj7Rqs1UXrJVPwa46zCK2alb4SaLjOpxgRhP_bVf8buLCLqGYX8MxMt_ORoNKq2qjw/s1600/20190624_140548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3qUZX-Wb45lbQ42QLqGhuhpowoPwVaE2SNx8mUn6wshyysfz43Bw4HrF1tRk6UNnrfhzRhT6Onwj7Rqs1UXrJVPwa46zCK2alb4SaLjOpxgRhP_bVf8buLCLqGYX8MxMt_ORoNKq2qjw/s200/20190624_140548.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The unstained box with its deep, almost
cherry-like tone is made from Brazilian Pine, Araucaria brasiliana,
related to the Monkey Puzzle tree, Araucaria araucana, the national tree of Chili (above in Butchart Gardens). It is
so named because the configuration of its limbs would make it
impossible for a monkey to climb (maybe). A whole set of such boxes were made from the cutoffs remaining after fabricating this thick and heavy exterior
door, thus adhering to my career-long precept of
utilizing scraps from large projects to make <i>unas pocas cosas</i>.
(Sorry, couldn't help that reference to my favorite Tucson restaurant Caf<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">é</span>
Poca Cosa)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwPy5WUFD6-yum384VdIHgDqnVPY2t3DcEa5EviQYD8vChmXrE9oVuRfBWGZIMS7gvCAB81Ux8rbyht2UMDJMSMoNPdML3BvOnq6bKa2vM8I40OoVPYZDKBPcj8qtu5WZessyMFrdB_s/s1600/Custom+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1417" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSwPy5WUFD6-yum384VdIHgDqnVPY2t3DcEa5EviQYD8vChmXrE9oVuRfBWGZIMS7gvCAB81Ux8rbyht2UMDJMSMoNPdML3BvOnq6bKa2vM8I40OoVPYZDKBPcj8qtu5WZessyMFrdB_s/s320/Custom+Door.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
P.S. Please note that this is a quite vintage Flying Circus Studios piece, the wood amazingly failing to fail to
the mistaken joinery.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgxwe5EivEXoDHdgPXrdvFIXJ8U2NIY8uflpKaxJrkfTaGy4JfDsPHqQtteIkuvZEcneAqSvADRMLVuHQ8bZxZ_mLWAIoiK1w5Oor4urWna4jqSVBvVQmUeDf1myqM3eh8TxqZilgIuI/s1600/P8220007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWgxwe5EivEXoDHdgPXrdvFIXJ8U2NIY8uflpKaxJrkfTaGy4JfDsPHqQtteIkuvZEcneAqSvADRMLVuHQ8bZxZ_mLWAIoiK1w5Oor4urWna4jqSVBvVQmUeDf1myqM3eh8TxqZilgIuI/s200/P8220007.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-58291688458856246452019-01-24T05:07:00.000-07:002019-01-30T04:43:10.783-07:00Bike Cable Lid Support - Woodworking Tip #23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxdio0d-UmMmJALvwxW1SfYaX-c7UaUTIsYfKtsglRp-wUkwFffw38P1GqROM-6ycoO9FizZ_MY3i70lXUW8IgNb00XuuF3gmViKFV5QVMjhgetfGTJTDxgIRELZE1L6Mjq74h9zdtB4/s1600/P1200006b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxdio0d-UmMmJALvwxW1SfYaX-c7UaUTIsYfKtsglRp-wUkwFffw38P1GqROM-6ycoO9FizZ_MY3i70lXUW8IgNb00XuuF3gmViKFV5QVMjhgetfGTJTDxgIRELZE1L6Mjq74h9zdtB4/s400/P1200006b.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For a cyclist a broken brake cable just
means longer stopping distance. For a pilot a broken elevator cable
means landing, look mom, “no hands,” using flaps, power and trim
for pitch control. For my lady a broken jewelry box lid support
cable meant holding the lid with the left hand as the right hand
sought the day's adornments. Really, not bad: after 29,251 cycles
this bike cable lid support broke, though not the cable itself. The
cable pulled out of its crimped ring connector on the lid. It was
easily replaced with a fresh piece of bicycle brake cable and a new
ring wire connector.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Using Soss hinges, as I did, on this
walnut and cherry jewelry box with a full-width earring tray and
music movement, the hinge itself provided no lid support.
Furthermore, the full tray under the lid allowed no space for a
scissors lid stay. A light cord or chain tends to either get kinked or ends up draping outside of the box. The solution was found in of all places my
cycling ditty box. Taking a brake cable I cut the nipple end down to
about 6 inches, threaded it through a diagonal hole in the support dowel for the earring tray and crimped the end to an uninsulated
ring wire connector. The ring connector was then screwed to the
underside of the lid. The clearance of only 1/16” between the tray
and side of the jewelry box still allowed the cable to slide by,
though during this recent repair I relieved the side of the tray
slightly to permit even easier movement. If you use a rail instead of dowels to support the tray the diagonal cable hole would go through it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq-o7fmND3whCoLzMNpFLHIxYSqmW8eJfgLdftH96JeuYBEHRasGDd3DZ9cNwOh8o-viVLhJmpDWJTQmPscr2OffPkd-obtLO-fEJ5_08g_YdihiKrKVp4Yue2SXK6p1ysAHyxM_0Dkg/s1600/P1200012b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSq-o7fmND3whCoLzMNpFLHIxYSqmW8eJfgLdftH96JeuYBEHRasGDd3DZ9cNwOh8o-viVLhJmpDWJTQmPscr2OffPkd-obtLO-fEJ5_08g_YdihiKrKVp4Yue2SXK6p1ysAHyxM_0Dkg/s320/P1200012b.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The barrel nipple at the end of the
cable hits the bottom of the box when the lid is closed and neatly
slides forward along the bottom of the box. The real beauty of this system is that the bike cable is rigid
enough to have no tendency to fold or kink. Surprisingly, little pressure must be
exerted on the felt as it appears completely unmarred even after 29,251 cycles. There you have it: a synthesis of two of my loves, cycling and woodworking, for my love.</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRjZ-PJK9n2KAkZodo5mp6cPcznSM29ryP4DbygPjoaftWKXy1cBRF-WcUN0dkitp4dobeXraadu8nFB9NfISOU1rWaCTjv0VB1pGZyNrKzsWmkN0yajHs2yZSJgSZhzjo7i6ZtXJPG8/s1600/P1200009b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRjZ-PJK9n2KAkZodo5mp6cPcznSM29ryP4DbygPjoaftWKXy1cBRF-WcUN0dkitp4dobeXraadu8nFB9NfISOU1rWaCTjv0VB1pGZyNrKzsWmkN0yajHs2yZSJgSZhzjo7i6ZtXJPG8/s320/P1200009b.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
To view all previous Woodworking Tips just type "woodworking tip" into the search box at the top of the blog's first page. Unique woodenwares made from saved wood are available at our eco-friendly Etsy shop: <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">FlyingCircusStudios</a><br />
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-1917407462288119132019-01-17T06:40:00.000-07:002019-01-17T06:40:32.498-07:00New Needlepoint Collaborator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_JOrUxmuvou5l3gZEVtAi7-ImXHtySiCs2x092KIqJ7VuokLdMFIl9gQwvrEwb8JNa1jYe7PPKDvbKPwTV8ykY9Ji88Hc1EmY49squzrwfYomY0Hkq04U83nmsRw8-_U1wOZ7GHTrDs/s1600/PC190050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_JOrUxmuvou5l3gZEVtAi7-ImXHtySiCs2x092KIqJ7VuokLdMFIl9gQwvrEwb8JNa1jYe7PPKDvbKPwTV8ykY9Ji88Hc1EmY49squzrwfYomY0Hkq04U83nmsRw8-_U1wOZ7GHTrDs/s400/PC190050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My wife's lifetime role of educator has taken a new turn with her granddaughter Amelia as student in needlepoint. Much love and patience were injected into this lovely still life, though ofttimes the progress of the piece suffered its own still life. Nonetheless, our six-year-old Amelia, turning seven just at completion, persevered and accomplished a fine first needlepoint, a gift to her parents. Readers of this blog might realize I fabricated the accompanying frame out of cherry wood as I have done with my wife Sara's <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2018/11/meyers-collaboration-x.html">needlepoints</a>, ten framed pieces so far. Amelia also helped out some with the framing, bringing out the rich cherry wood color with applications of Watco oil.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A hearty congratulations to the artist and also to her dad Josh whose birthday is today!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-51053360614074720802018-12-20T07:09:00.000-07:002018-12-20T07:09:01.155-07:00Southwest Christmas Tree 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR_MonokEmCsleCCvqISB_JW-jQgT__xvcaPwmHsRboELQFwN-lf9e-peasS9VImpmwrjj4KcO8jIMKmc0Wc4cjXekOekDJxYzwNhhE10V6XZ_-vBzT-mYbRsAOEt8NC5YEqv6y99PlY/s1600/PC190035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGR_MonokEmCsleCCvqISB_JW-jQgT__xvcaPwmHsRboELQFwN-lf9e-peasS9VImpmwrjj4KcO8jIMKmc0Wc4cjXekOekDJxYzwNhhE10V6XZ_-vBzT-mYbRsAOEt8NC5YEqv6y99PlY/s400/PC190035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2017/12/sothwest-christmas-tree-2018.html">Southwest Christmas Tree</a> aka Yucca flower stalk has re-emerged this year albeit with only a couple new additions as we steadily replace the ornaments made in China with ornaments handmade by our friends and family members. This year a fine hummingbird carved by Tom McDevitt of McWidget Studios joins the throng adding song, crackle and movement amidst the yucca flowers. Also, a family heirloom, yes, handmade, though by whom, unknown, hangs now. It's a cut glass crystal that once graced the family dining room chandelier. Other <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2015/12/southwest-christmas-tree-year-2.html">handmade ornaments</a> can be seen in the background:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3714q8ZQG4t8Mywu1jjPP14nWmO2XBpwnlH43KBcP1-CeH5zd6ZpBubEbJ7BPxE31XBV-OaZfYUuHb-3ldcSaXj3LNxnZVFxHmm2X3_6U8sxYgqnEV0_fKAXec_eqDDtd1E6J_j4lmo/s1600/PC190041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3714q8ZQG4t8Mywu1jjPP14nWmO2XBpwnlH43KBcP1-CeH5zd6ZpBubEbJ7BPxE31XBV-OaZfYUuHb-3ldcSaXj3LNxnZVFxHmm2X3_6U8sxYgqnEV0_fKAXec_eqDDtd1E6J_j4lmo/s320/PC190041.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Baltic birch <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/641907914/wood-angel-christmas-ornament-painted?ref=shop_home_active_1&frs=1">scroll saw cut angel</a> mentioned in last year's <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2017/12/sothwest-christmas-tree-2018.html">Southwest Christmas Tree</a> blogpost was fabricated in a limited number for Etsy with two finishes even.<br />
<br />
Happiest Holidays to all and best wishes for a great year ahead.<br />
<br />
<br />Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-78906190576624620012018-11-22T06:33:00.000-07:002018-11-22T08:44:12.820-07:00Twin Hungarian Shelves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCzvh0Obb9tJhzuPuSi9x1t-7YugvA6b7VxJaSv9glcI3qlxT1Hn2J99Wh9JrmrVZbKpG-bjUIeDF9V0CZfcZbK6UanqKQoR4SoEJyOH8qr_sx1c1kKXkrkuc7s7LvLZBHAxf3nf9uAo/s1600/PB130003b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCzvh0Obb9tJhzuPuSi9x1t-7YugvA6b7VxJaSv9glcI3qlxT1Hn2J99Wh9JrmrVZbKpG-bjUIeDF9V0CZfcZbK6UanqKQoR4SoEJyOH8qr_sx1c1kKXkrkuc7s7LvLZBHAxf3nf9uAo/s400/PB130003b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The wedges must scare people. I find
it unbelievable that the best shelf system out there, to my mind, is
still not, as of this date, available even at IKEA. The wedges
satisfy me: nothing like tapping in the wedge, the last step of
mounting the shelf, and seeing the shelf align rigidly 90º
to the vertical standard. Hungarian shelves are dynamic and
interesting with elements of simple machines: wedges, fulcrums,
levers. It's almost as if Hungarian shelves are busy working right
in front of you supporting their loads.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These
twin Hungarian shelf units were designed to fill the voids on either
side of a large fireplace and chimney as well as provide both library
space for books and display space for artifacts, sculpture and
artwork. Though the eye wants desperately to make these shelves appear
symmetrical they are not, every shelf width and vertical spacing
actually different. The lowest shelf is 12” wide, stepping down
1/2” per shelf until the top one is 10 1/2”. The height between
shelves also decreases 1” per shelf. Compare to the pillars, not really parallel, at the Parthenon. All the shelves are solid red
oak, one of the 12” shelves actually a single piece of wood, quite
a rare find at a <a href="http://www.hooddistribution.com/tucson-az/">lumberyard</a> these days.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81unvzTQpsTwcadOWoLe7PRUnHUSsDoCfZxMvI1FV4IkgfPJV1Vd5isPcGNOEPnau72-ooDBYmaNx4WOYIU5wHSZT712IwgWxGVKz7I8ktdTSsHf614X_GIJJb4cK5IFBcBUO3hmWJrk/s1600/thumbnail_IMG_0695b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81unvzTQpsTwcadOWoLe7PRUnHUSsDoCfZxMvI1FV4IkgfPJV1Vd5isPcGNOEPnau72-ooDBYmaNx4WOYIU5wHSZT712IwgWxGVKz7I8ktdTSsHf614X_GIJJb4cK5IFBcBUO3hmWJrk/s400/thumbnail_IMG_0695b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
joint that joins the shelf to the upright standard is technically
called a cross lap joint. Because the notches or slots in each
standard must be exactly in line I cut all the notches simultaneously
by clamping them together, then clamping a guide at right angles to
the set and running a router with a straight bit through all the
standards. Typically I do the same thing to the shelves by standing
them all together on their long front edge and routing notches on the
back side. Alternatively, I've clamped the shelves together, placed
them <i>back side down</i> on a table saw sled and pushed them
through a dado blade. In this case, however, their large size and
varying widths made this difficult. Thus I opted to cut the shelf
notches with a tenon saw and chisel, thus proving two things: that
Hungarian shelves can be made with just hand tools and that retired
guys have more time on their hands. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
should add that <a href="https://www.sketchup.com/">SketchUp</a> helped give birth to these twins, my first
foray into using this 3-D CAD program for furniture design (dimensions removed for clarity):</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmevZUlR4NBFz4hVSi47Zgy5hyphenhyphenRmg0BBjqvn0-JDGCkfUDhrhHJeXvw3_KbFOUEX-VysSqUJTAzUI5N7lQwG8-DFEQ3NOQ3D-wVlah68WigKKCFSWi2r_xFKRhvlyaskS_887mvycMAE/s1600/Twin+Hungarian+Shelvesb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmevZUlR4NBFz4hVSi47Zgy5hyphenhyphenRmg0BBjqvn0-JDGCkfUDhrhHJeXvw3_KbFOUEX-VysSqUJTAzUI5N7lQwG8-DFEQ3NOQ3D-wVlah68WigKKCFSWi2r_xFKRhvlyaskS_887mvycMAE/s400/Twin+Hungarian+Shelvesb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
want to thank my fellow Columbia alumnus David Heim, a SketchUp for
woodworking expert, for his generous advice and even a little
personal YouTube tutorial critique of my design. I used his extremely well-written and helpful book <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/586708184/sketchup-success-for-woodworkers?ref=shop_home_active_7&frs=1">SketchUp Success for Woodworkers</a> every step of the way.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
also want to thank Tony Fuhrman of <a href="http://summitwood.net/">Summit Woodworking</a> in Tucson for
use of his shop facilities, as well as thank my favorite mechanical
engineer Kyle Colavito for first introducing me to Hungarian shelves many years ago. Find pics of my other Hungarian shelves by searching this blog or on the very first page of Google images.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you so much to these and all my other patrons...<br />and</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, of course, Happy Thanksgiving!!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: #b00120; font-size: xx-small;">Find useful wooden objects including wedges for Hungarian shelves at: </span></span></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com </a></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Tweda-JqWsCwrHjLfR9BvAwYKFG-hmvMJfOmeSMGlh3-AnqLIR9DM16iuhDCZn-oe9SGm9VV37swyFF-kF_4N9Ub9vvGszsIuNnKBufT9sz9UJRi1ejFoSreOqsjcrKn2Qwadmb8tH0/s1600/PB130008b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Tweda-JqWsCwrHjLfR9BvAwYKFG-hmvMJfOmeSMGlh3-AnqLIR9DM16iuhDCZn-oe9SGm9VV37swyFF-kF_4N9Ub9vvGszsIuNnKBufT9sz9UJRi1ejFoSreOqsjcrKn2Qwadmb8tH0/s320/PB130008b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><b></b><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><i></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-48237325053830418302018-11-08T05:41:00.001-07:002018-11-08T10:26:40.954-07:00Meyers Collaboration X<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_eOQBjHicqFjJwncKejOzCwQehtc1oOKlNbwDLrnSvdGrfH6tqS7fWa1IjF0iMyUDIqzNQkWG2RKhKoBN_GLZ6L4OLsRiiFgvvTbiUZp0e1pQwN4rStYy5VbF8A-08wTspwHN2Yp_-k/s1600/PA310131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_eOQBjHicqFjJwncKejOzCwQehtc1oOKlNbwDLrnSvdGrfH6tqS7fWa1IjF0iMyUDIqzNQkWG2RKhKoBN_GLZ6L4OLsRiiFgvvTbiUZp0e1pQwN4rStYy5VbF8A-08wTspwHN2Yp_-k/s400/PA310131.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Clearly there's some tomfoolery going
on here. Or is it teddy-foolery for this turkey with inflated vest, spectacle and oversized pocket watch is a bit reminiscent of President Teddy
Roosevelt, well noted, you know, for his bullying, braggadocio and
bluster. But note the red tie: did Teddy wear those? Of course,
this turkey is really a pilgrim, and all these references are likely
connected. Anyway, quite a neat bird, a lovely product of Sara's
craftsmanship, a perfect complement to our Thanksgiving celebrations.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ahoq_6siyPYugOttMLzfZcEO-mxQv_M9WfdtIaknzvVRGs1klMv68ONKugtRPLr6auSG3RSlGEi6r0JaouB3wPaixfHpylH02gBv3yLGB3Vxp2r-QoslOhxUdj2HOuJTJS6-LP8kwVo/s1600/PA310135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ahoq_6siyPYugOttMLzfZcEO-mxQv_M9WfdtIaknzvVRGs1klMv68ONKugtRPLr6auSG3RSlGEi6r0JaouB3wPaixfHpylH02gBv3yLGB3Vxp2r-QoslOhxUdj2HOuJTJS6-LP8kwVo/s320/PA310135.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As before the word collaboration is
used loosely as the handmade frame of oak takes so little time to
construct compared to the exquisite needlepoint stitching. I did,
however, help out in one other way: spending near an hour going
through dozens of bins at Ace Hardware until I found the exactly
sized set of washers which compose all the circular forms here, each
then painstakingly wrapped with thread. The gold chain was found in a flea market in Sierra Vista.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhYJ064SIRhLCHgzZPdTvTKtmPpWOnJ7oykQId5m2ApeGWjPpZZoudFyMQF4Bu2zZwc23b7M_af3qWHDmrWnhIB7GdmJB495MZ5b7MKmjrxjSKTpu0eggkBzHtqh1_A0SnWFEih6GpeU/s1600/PA310134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqhYJ064SIRhLCHgzZPdTvTKtmPpWOnJ7oykQId5m2ApeGWjPpZZoudFyMQF4Bu2zZwc23b7M_af3qWHDmrWnhIB7GdmJB495MZ5b7MKmjrxjSKTpu0eggkBzHtqh1_A0SnWFEih6GpeU/s320/PA310134.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="color: #b00120; font-family: "verdana";">Find our online shop at: </span><a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/" style="color: #ddaa77;">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com</a></span></span></i></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #aabbcc; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.06px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.13px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-34532436756474540092018-10-04T05:02:00.002-07:002018-10-05T15:46:05.058-07:00Pipe Clamp Supports -- Tool Tip #20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2XXIJkHptPbKgmC6ZfmKOMl0khtMx4s_esohd_FvKBcnwjrcqlfmcJkGX4i4Lea3EBxwxrxNFp3m9h4xeS1Sg8BMuZWyA9KBuK4UHVmP9oaThW03veRt2ak7v9ztqunJiUZUGF4oYpo/s1600/P9280023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2XXIJkHptPbKgmC6ZfmKOMl0khtMx4s_esohd_FvKBcnwjrcqlfmcJkGX4i4Lea3EBxwxrxNFp3m9h4xeS1Sg8BMuZWyA9KBuK4UHVmP9oaThW03veRt2ak7v9ztqunJiUZUGF4oYpo/s400/P9280023.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the old saws of woodworking is
that you can never have enough clamps. I will attest that this is
certainly true despite owning a fair number of them, relying mostly
on the inexpensive but powerful pipe clamps by Pony, Bessey, Harbor
Freight, etc. If you've done more than two glue-ups with these
you've already run across the issue of the tail end of the pipe
falling and the jaws bucking up off the workbench. This is not a
frustration, of course, when the clamp length is appropriate to
the width of the glue-up, but during multiple glue-ups one migrates
inevitably toward clamps too long for the job.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iYoQP51Fq4oXPsP3Qdme7sDwNsl4Z9aGZ0ZPIAMMB4aBp7YEyR2jMLVi6SCVpN1iyjOk3_vjXKaLmGu2r0r0axjaZTM1ncwGqFggcAms1trzNJQL7BMzZ-444rrE9ndm7Apmx7rEPL4/s1600/P9280019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iYoQP51Fq4oXPsP3Qdme7sDwNsl4Z9aGZ0ZPIAMMB4aBp7YEyR2jMLVi6SCVpN1iyjOk3_vjXKaLmGu2r0r0axjaZTM1ncwGqFggcAms1trzNJQL7BMzZ-444rrE9ndm7Apmx7rEPL4/s320/P9280019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To control this little bucking bronco I
always put a long strip of wood about 7/8” thick underneath all the
ends of the hanging tails. This does the job nicely of keeping all
the pipe clamps level and in a single plane so the boards can be
laid in with no difficulty. I've thought of using pipe insulation
placed on the tail for the same purpose, but such insulation is not
thick enough. Too recently it occurred to me that your typical pool
noodle would provide exactly the right thickness to keep the tail
from falling. So now instead of a bunch of bucking broncos, we
corral a well broke line of Ponies. Hope this helps.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
(The astute observer will observe that
the photos show a situation where the noodle was actually not needed,
but I was nonetheless eager to share the use of my other noodle.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span style="color: #b00120; font-family: "verdana";">Find the online shop at: </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/" style="color: #ddaa77;">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com</a></span></i></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #aabbcc; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 18.13px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-14724215761264250142018-06-14T05:19:00.000-07:002018-06-14T05:19:37.435-07:00Lotion as Hand Cleaner -- Tool Tip #19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdu_scy0KZoRggIEt2tqSUg7pSFB9pjMrEzm1PZccyDItLZafgvh2_oPEn7u56SD0C63mo7nlY_i9zvt0H5be282MRT4NCuIy0MHk3_upKHqm3kKqMAjwgwu78FVkIdcuk1YXHhkeLsI/s1600/FJ40+Ruralb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1394" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdu_scy0KZoRggIEt2tqSUg7pSFB9pjMrEzm1PZccyDItLZafgvh2_oPEn7u56SD0C63mo7nlY_i9zvt0H5be282MRT4NCuIy0MHk3_upKHqm3kKqMAjwgwu78FVkIdcuk1YXHhkeLsI/s400/FJ40+Ruralb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the neatest things about my 1970 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 were the convenient repair kits that Toyota
provided. Packaged in their individual red boxes were everything you
needed to rebuild, say, a universal joint or a brake assembly or the
master clutch cylinder. I think the idea was that if you filled a
modest satchel with a bunch of these kits you really could head out
in the boonies and fix most anything on the run. I, however, worked
on our FJ40 in the driveway, used quite a few of those little red
boxes and got my hands mighty dirty. Back then I used Goop or Gunk
or Gorp, whatever, to dissolve the grease and grime, pretty nasty
products actually, maybe a step away from washing your hands in
gasoline. Took quite a while before I incidentally discovered that
most any ordinary hand or body lotion also works well as a hand
cleaner. Frankly, for myself, those expensive balms and creams that
are supposed to do magic for working hands are mostly hype.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWcy5yEtizhzxySrKuJg-grjj8fh9JIC8nBaIKD_FTBJjT59VI_ywx5Z7arOnxNjGng6AkeGyEUvTc3oXEyYEuygzmQLag8DN7xdEtOK8pDptf02QBDJ5gRMJtiPa4D3sr6bwFryIz9M/s1600/PB130035b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWcy5yEtizhzxySrKuJg-grjj8fh9JIC8nBaIKD_FTBJjT59VI_ywx5Z7arOnxNjGng6AkeGyEUvTc3oXEyYEuygzmQLag8DN7xdEtOK8pDptf02QBDJ5gRMJtiPa4D3sr6bwFryIz9M/s320/PB130035b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ever since this discovery, several
times a day, I slather lotion on generously as a hand cleaner, and
using no water (reduce cracking!) just dry my hands on paper toweling
or a terrycloth towel...works quite well. The dirt and grime transfers to the toweling. Plus your hands don't end up
marinated in petrochemicals or dried out by soap and water. Those little lotion tubes and bottles turn out to be perfect to drop in a
tool bag during installations. Alas, I've come up with a fairly lame excuse to post a couple pics of my favorite vehicle, but on the otherhand certain individuals in your life may appreciate hands that feel more
like 220 grit than 40 grit. To see all 18 previous tool tips type "tool tip" into the <i>search this blog</i> window. You might find something you can use in your own shop.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOTmZpf8B0VAZoA7ETSoDYoD7K9wbME_N6RHSgeFYFdmvXUfNIl4sW-TFWXlyQ70f9kpRvglVqaPbqHiI-ZwT9rHKS_N5d_F2Uln83biV1_QP83pfelxMgKus_uqYN5k1FlEWFRNTnzA/s1600/FJ40+Vulcan+Routeb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1308" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOTmZpf8B0VAZoA7ETSoDYoD7K9wbME_N6RHSgeFYFdmvXUfNIl4sW-TFWXlyQ70f9kpRvglVqaPbqHiI-ZwT9rHKS_N5d_F2Uln83biV1_QP83pfelxMgKus_uqYN5k1FlEWFRNTnzA/s320/FJ40+Vulcan+Routeb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="color: #aabbcc; font-family: "verdana"; font-size: x-small;">Useful wooden objects including hand carved teaspoons at: </span></i></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com </a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-27274394586295949662018-06-01T15:12:00.001-07:002018-11-08T05:45:20.068-07:00Meyers Collaboration IX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5PvD0P-s3L8EsCAOgILLhQ2hSQ8mBRQ5dPJoPYyFh6f_yTvYBfB_wAX2bRaTxKiQSgGbt4JRjVDqaojWMUtRHe2Q8oj94lyWWFKmB_vaXmw3T1luSY2tQS1gHt7kdAX4fDq5Lwd3TOw/s1600/P5300075b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5PvD0P-s3L8EsCAOgILLhQ2hSQ8mBRQ5dPJoPYyFh6f_yTvYBfB_wAX2bRaTxKiQSgGbt4JRjVDqaojWMUtRHe2Q8oj94lyWWFKmB_vaXmw3T1luSY2tQS1gHt7kdAX4fDq5Lwd3TOw/s320/P5300075b.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As with all our previous collaborations, in which my wife Sara does the needlepoint, and I make a custom frame, 98% of the labor is hers and about 2% mine. We are particularly fond if this particular piece for its lovely colors and simple symbolic elements. Take the heart to symbolize our love for one another rather than a heart perched over a handlebar moustache symbolizing my love for cycling.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I finally abandoned using biscuits to secure the miters in small frames as they inevitably interfere with the rabbet cut for the glass and mat. Discreet brads secure the corners instead in the black walnut frame.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This beautiful work is photographed with the glass intact, the reduction in reflectivity due to the use of non-glare glass, something we should have used all along.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBdunRuNFa1AS6zPpGXKJDJvc4sRqM9V40uEWH8zfkQps2OKvRd98odhn0f-ItRMWzoOSdBJk9B_Lqh3OHk-IuA8QNg-Sru9wUdC8jLIzveR92U4NdGQvlcBIx3mxXG3kUAsS0jQpQmI/s1600/P5300072b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBdunRuNFa1AS6zPpGXKJDJvc4sRqM9V40uEWH8zfkQps2OKvRd98odhn0f-ItRMWzoOSdBJk9B_Lqh3OHk-IuA8QNg-Sru9wUdC8jLIzveR92U4NdGQvlcBIx3mxXG3kUAsS0jQpQmI/s320/P5300072b.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Useful wooden objects including hand carved teaspoons at: </b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span><a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com </a></i><b></b><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><i></i><br /></div>
Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-43112475263859364242018-05-05T14:25:00.000-07:002018-05-06T04:46:02.092-07:00SketchUp Success for Woodworkers -- Woodworking Tip #22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTri3MvJGm9y7Q8_iLxOqNl0pyKJpOjoKexFPccrAmtSHEhr3IjrlTPARcKlaeeBtKrK_62iScmsNI1kQl7M-iOJnPixQbIcuVXkCw9cAz-AgOIpdlP5GcYF6hOJBo1zWjkDsTpV5-2O4/s1600/P4090054b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1192" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTri3MvJGm9y7Q8_iLxOqNl0pyKJpOjoKexFPccrAmtSHEhr3IjrlTPARcKlaeeBtKrK_62iScmsNI1kQl7M-iOJnPixQbIcuVXkCw9cAz-AgOIpdlP5GcYF6hOJBo1zWjkDsTpV5-2O4/s400/P4090054b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The 22nd woodworking tip is: buy this book and use it to learn SketchUp!!<br />
<br />
And yes, here I thought I was the only
woodworker graduate from Columbia. Turns out I was wrong, for David Heim, one
of my fellow alumni, is not only a fine fine woodworker, specifically wood turning, but also one of the country's leading experts on the use of
the 3D modeling program <a href="https://www.sketchup.com/">SketchUp</a> as applicable to furniture making,
cabinetry and all the other lovely objects made from wood. SketchUp is a complete drawing program, useful not just to woodworkers, but to interior designers, architects, landscapers, city planners, etc.
What David Heim has done in his excellent book <a href="http://springhousepress.com/new-products/sketchup-success-for-woodworkers">SketchUp Success for Woodworkers</a><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">recently</span>
published by <a href="http://springhousepress.com/new-products/sketchup-success-for-woodworkers">Spring House Press</a> is extracted and tuned the aspects of
the program which enable woodworkers to produce attractive, realistic
3D models of their ideas, designs and projects. (At this
point I have finally stopped my word processing program's constant urge to
turn SketchUp into ketchup.) <br />
<br />
If you stop reading here, my advice to you woodworkers is get David's book and learn SketchUp! While you're at it also visit his
online shop at Etsy: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DavidHeim">www.etsy.com/shop/DavidHeim</a> to see some of his beautiful turnings. You can also buy his book through his Etsy shop.<br />
<br />
So how does design happen? Starting to
learn SketchUp got me reflecting about the evolution of the design
tools I've utilized throughout my woodworking career. Now please
don't ask why I still have this, but it all begins here: <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-weg-DR1Ul5UT-X61nqRifXozFeEwRWuBCD2yz7nzgz9BsO_gJ9MFhalZd72CQRg_7CFXJaAcl9LCcF9PSCR2iXywIubQPrBGJFO2L7Aqc152DatZrwG8uvgpu-I16DB52rps_Okp_o8/s1600/Early+Shop+Drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1600" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-weg-DR1Ul5UT-X61nqRifXozFeEwRWuBCD2yz7nzgz9BsO_gJ9MFhalZd72CQRg_7CFXJaAcl9LCcF9PSCR2iXywIubQPrBGJFO2L7Aqc152DatZrwG8uvgpu-I16DB52rps_Okp_o8/s320/Early+Shop+Drawing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Back in the day, while the girls were
sewing and muffining in Home EC class, the boys were combating
Sputnik by taking Mechanical Drawing. I don't think this was an
elective either; it was a manly skill. The main object of the course was converting some
fanciful 3D object, often resembling the parapet of a Medieval castle, into front, top and side views. A lot of your grade depended on
placing a dotted line where superman's Xray vision would have
detected a change in form on the opposite side.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
Years later when I took up
professional woodworking, home computers, let alone drawing software, had not
yet been invented, and thus dredging up this old junior high school skill
proved most useful. At this point we call it "drafting." I found
myself even building drafting tables for myself and customers as well as gathering a nice collection of those green plastic Staedtler
templates. These templates helped me learn such important things as curves are French. Still the plans did not appear all that
different from those in 8<sup>th</sup> grade:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMnK6TS9rnIwiVBWrETWG27F0OwFQztdgKIcMnHBeiIEYbec2COhttRghKep4W2n2a4Dyr_bI_uYyYq_6DgRPgBjsJC6NZOnii7fj6A8hz-QIv6TiTYMbyiROCoFqFNszF1JNoPuAVzw/s1600/Arboretum+Reception+Center_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMnK6TS9rnIwiVBWrETWG27F0OwFQztdgKIcMnHBeiIEYbec2COhttRghKep4W2n2a4Dyr_bI_uYyYq_6DgRPgBjsJC6NZOnii7fj6A8hz-QIv6TiTYMbyiROCoFqFNszF1JNoPuAVzw/s320/Arboretum+Reception+Center_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Continuing on: thanks to the urging of
our son Josh we were one of the first families on the block to own a
computer, a handmade XT. Fast forward years later Josh has opened
his bicycle trailer and accessory business <a href="https://www.bikeshophub.com/">BikeShopHub</a> and required a
CAD-CAM program to operate a <a href="http://www.shopbottools.com/">ShopBot</a> CNC tool in the manufacture of his novel
bicycle travel case the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0bIgp-VQiE">Cello</a>. The Cello amazingly converted a <a href="https://www.bikeshophub.com/product-category/bob-trailers">BOB</a> one-wheeled bicycle trailer into a travel luggage box for not only
itself but also the bike that pulled it! The chosen program was <a href="http://bobcad.com/">bobCAD-CAM</a> (ironic, but no relationship to the trailer company), and
thus thanks to my son I myself moved to the next stage in design:
computer aided drafting using BobCAD-CAM. Without question the
greatest benefit of CAD was what I call “dimensional integrity,”
no more struggling with finest line on a triangle scale to extract a
particular dimension or carefully adding up a series of dimensions to
verify sums. Any part of a plan could be measured, and the numbers
were precise, perfect, always added up!<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShyphenhyphencAjoc1TkQnTFvbmRLhWZwEyxHLHd640IsLI8QCyacJmnDGcmQ0Rea4kQgveurr-j-QoMW755o3RFSN96-9L8XC4ioVtePn0Br6AOHQra9rIqc_-IJWGPt9G-qaLEm34wx_hHzQG_M/s1600/Mexiconcina2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1600" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShyphenhyphencAjoc1TkQnTFvbmRLhWZwEyxHLHd640IsLI8QCyacJmnDGcmQ0Rea4kQgveurr-j-QoMW755o3RFSN96-9L8XC4ioVtePn0Br6AOHQra9rIqc_-IJWGPt9G-qaLEm34wx_hHzQG_M/s320/Mexiconcina2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2i00LrFOB7-6ucL8QLQZgm3WIFcpiltJxrpbqL-XbuN3kc_DUigP9xsBYxMa1AhrdbBbdwTWzYCOm8I0YgxmxkDN69FKLz6oQKtP9fuHYKS7U7BbtcKfBs7BzS_b0peC3HSolEGVuVw/s1600/Mexicocina+Update+055b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2i00LrFOB7-6ucL8QLQZgm3WIFcpiltJxrpbqL-XbuN3kc_DUigP9xsBYxMa1AhrdbBbdwTWzYCOm8I0YgxmxkDN69FKLz6oQKtP9fuHYKS7U7BbtcKfBs7BzS_b0peC3HSolEGVuVw/s320/Mexicocina+Update+055b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So now I have reached the latest stage
in the evolution of my design career: starting to learn SketchUp
using David Heim's excellent book <i>SketchUp Success for
Woodworkers. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">My first
recommendation and his too is to pass over the online program
and download SketchUp Make 2017 (still available free as of this posting). Then with program running follow
David's clear step-by-step instructions: from choosing a template to setting up your first
file to learning the basic tools to creating your first board. He is
easy to follow. The centerpiece of the book, his four rules for
success, makes enormous sense to anyone who has ever encountered a
table saw and attests to his major investment in both mastering and
adapting SketchUp for fine woodworkers. What I particularly like
about David's approach is that he walks you so very carefully through
the SketchUp learning curve. I would not expect to become adept
overnight, but you could not have a better guide.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Perhaps only second
to the joy of creating, for a custom fine woodworker, is the joy of
working directly with your clients, getting to know them and their
vision of the environment they desire to inhabit. Yet with few
exceptions the difficulty has always been offering a clear picture of
what exactly they were commissioning. Shop drawing and blueprints
are generally insufficient in this regard. Once I even had to build
a piece completely over again because I could not see the “picture
in the head.” </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I only wish I had
had a tool like SketchUp throughout my career. I could have then
offered to clients a fully 3-dimensional model, built in the chosen
woods and with the right stain color, something they could “walk”
around. In the later chapters of his book David explains how you can
import any wood grain or texture to your model or even render it
realistically. Clients are always finding photographs of some piece
or environment they like, and you will even learn how to initiate
your design using one of these. Both client and creator benefit.
You will be able to push, pull, stretch, shrink, reshape,
add components, subtract components until the picture in your own
head is achieved.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Afterword: SketchUp and computer
assisted manufacturing (CAM)</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8ba5cY1IcNtBfyHfJfAqKxwN5do1QdYPiEpVMkGj6Ze3uUevYAX5k2JQygYDnpdF9eaSFLKfGiaZhf0B0-i-PKbDjYsSDqECVTX5eLNJ2nRy6Rh40ac-zRpdG8Mzh9Ylr_bMZ45wzCY/s1600/P4090065b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8ba5cY1IcNtBfyHfJfAqKxwN5do1QdYPiEpVMkGj6Ze3uUevYAX5k2JQygYDnpdF9eaSFLKfGiaZhf0B0-i-PKbDjYsSDqECVTX5eLNJ2nRy6Rh40ac-zRpdG8Mzh9Ylr_bMZ45wzCY/s1600/P4090065b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8ba5cY1IcNtBfyHfJfAqKxwN5do1QdYPiEpVMkGj6Ze3uUevYAX5k2JQygYDnpdF9eaSFLKfGiaZhf0B0-i-PKbDjYsSDqECVTX5eLNJ2nRy6Rh40ac-zRpdG8Mzh9Ylr_bMZ45wzCY/s320/P4090065b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8ba5cY1IcNtBfyHfJfAqKxwN5do1QdYPiEpVMkGj6Ze3uUevYAX5k2JQygYDnpdF9eaSFLKfGiaZhf0B0-i-PKbDjYsSDqECVTX5eLNJ2nRy6Rh40ac-zRpdG8Mzh9Ylr_bMZ45wzCY/s1600/P4090065b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div align="left">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8ba5cY1IcNtBfyHfJfAqKxwN5do1QdYPiEpVMkGj6Ze3uUevYAX5k2JQygYDnpdF9eaSFLKfGiaZhf0B0-i-PKbDjYsSDqECVTX5eLNJ2nRy6Rh40ac-zRpdG8Mzh9Ylr_bMZ45wzCY/s1600/P4090065b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNr9G6WiOf3FRL86XDxclA7WxgFHaTPQLhneiVEzmeW-pbwrhEJq64u4JhMWdDBox-ZzNXitUyXzG7miFdCdbpryPTZ8bEDnI73FgmhWwMfkk-zNx8gl1YfaM_fGC7m4otaSKHKZ59Tc/s1600/Babbitt%2527s+Display+Cases+005b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNr9G6WiOf3FRL86XDxclA7WxgFHaTPQLhneiVEzmeW-pbwrhEJq64u4JhMWdDBox-ZzNXitUyXzG7miFdCdbpryPTZ8bEDnI73FgmhWwMfkk-zNx8gl1YfaM_fGC7m4otaSKHKZ59Tc/s320/Babbitt%2527s+Display+Cases+005b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Though in most cases I did not use the
CAM side of bobCAD-CAM, occasionally it came in very handy especially
when both precision and duplication were required such as cutting the
triangular solid oak countertops that formed this 15-sided customer
service center. The screen shot of the bobCAD-CAM file used to cut
these on ShopBot is pictured above along with the finished product. <a href="http://springhousepress.com/new-products/sketchup-success-for-woodworkers">SketchUp Success for Woodworkers</a><i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">does
not cover using SketchUp files (.skp) to operate CNC machinery, but a
quick look on the web indicates that conversion to CNC files is
possible. I am no expert on drawing programs, but I do know a good
guidebook when I see one. David Heim's book is the first place to go
if you want this powerful tool in your tool bag...happy sketching!</span><br />
<br />
I would be remiss not to mention that Flying Circus Studios is also on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlyingCircusStudios">Etsy</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCZjT3D0CG8a8NDfe_qOP5i_fkzvXKjsmF7oQZZ7JECKJ8Qrbogu_ztmsYVYKFLvjTL2uVx7pPKx8dCpszONL-zUnXM4yPiMQe7so7J2qZVucAJsYU0Z1-Ce9N0mHH70Tbkdd5iqLqtQ/s1600/Back+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1591" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCZjT3D0CG8a8NDfe_qOP5i_fkzvXKjsmF7oQZZ7JECKJ8Qrbogu_ztmsYVYKFLvjTL2uVx7pPKx8dCpszONL-zUnXM4yPiMQe7so7J2qZVucAJsYU0Z1-Ce9N0mHH70Tbkdd5iqLqtQ/s400/Back+Cover.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<i></i>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-79230228583918603792018-02-26T06:19:00.000-07:002018-02-26T06:19:57.428-07:00Double-Sided Sandpaper -- Woodworking Tip #21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZJDyrdcaZqcrGvJOFc9NNelFxBwgHoUzgEIrvHQS6WLtPkFaeClQJuQoW9osyiA9OGAEUi942E0XGd2Va4AEvTbDEP4o8K-7WTjoGuL7_PquoBZrILfWMHrDqV78p8G72lTrBso684/s1600/P2230081bb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XZJDyrdcaZqcrGvJOFc9NNelFxBwgHoUzgEIrvHQS6WLtPkFaeClQJuQoW9osyiA9OGAEUi942E0XGd2Va4AEvTbDEP4o8K-7WTjoGuL7_PquoBZrILfWMHrDqV78p8G72lTrBso684/s400/P2230081bb.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'd say at this point in my woodworking
career I've folded 17,635 pieces of sandpaper for the purpose of
hand-sanding. By hand-sanding I mean just that, nothing more than
hand and sandpaper. Technically, of course, using a sanding block is
hand-sanding, but so often more precision is required for such tasks
as smoothing a joint, removing a blemish or scratch, especially
smoothing curves or contours, etc. Nothing like fingers and a little
piece of folded sandpaper does the trick. Doubling the sandpaper by
folding it in half seems natural and provides better purchase. Years
ago I thought wouldn't hand-sanding be easier if the two smooth sides
were not always slipping and sliding about? This could be
accomplished merely by gluing the fold together. As is often the
case with our own best interests this fine approach to sanding was
defiantly deferred. Until last week. I finally took the typical
quarter sheet strip of sandpaper (2.75”x 9”) used on a standard
sanding block, cut it in half, creased the pieces in two, sprayed the backsides with light duty adhesive and then folded the tacky
surfaces together. <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Voilà! </i></span>Using three sanding block strips I made a half
dozen of these all at once.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S-WHg3dICQBsedCloWmuK2rBatEw-EW2av1zaxameXa6l9dSmasqSRAxt2Ms5RgYDdWPdaGqjBdPEO7TBHA8EFFefxj4ctgXqySgux844uQIf4bwgV8C_UK8Z3a6SgoMwUFnsjWg4S8/s1600/P2230082b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5S-WHg3dICQBsedCloWmuK2rBatEw-EW2av1zaxameXa6l9dSmasqSRAxt2Ms5RgYDdWPdaGqjBdPEO7TBHA8EFFefxj4ctgXqySgux844uQIf4bwgV8C_UK8Z3a6SgoMwUFnsjWg4S8/s320/P2230082b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The grip provided by the well-attached
double surface allows use of every bit of the sandpaper right to the
edges and corners. Five of these double-sided sandpapers proved
sufficient to rough sand very effectively 10 of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187297323/hand-carved-wooden-teaspoon-dip-or?ref=shop_home_feat_4">wooden teaspoons</a>.
Even the hardest part, sanding the bowl of the spoon, went quite
smoothly. While this specialty type of sandpaper is produced
commercially, it is not commonly available. Gluing your own is
quick, easy, inexpensive and right out of your own stock of
sandpaper. In this case I am using Norton ProSand 180 grit, one of
my own favorites. My regret is not doing this with piece #1 vs
#17635. Try it yourself; you will be pleasantly pleased! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AYAq1CnVwkGjasljxS47-XIShzLEbzuQdSV7umUh6FZwLGky7N2gWlXYlUKnhdSrFwtgNRRkOeAFTh5oZ18kTqFHOP1-N9iacH4Aq3mBK0CzB98ab6Cq65Oa9qak1ROVh_irfEfuckM/s1600/P2240099b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5AYAq1CnVwkGjasljxS47-XIShzLEbzuQdSV7umUh6FZwLGky7N2gWlXYlUKnhdSrFwtgNRRkOeAFTh5oZ18kTqFHOP1-N9iacH4Aq3mBK0CzB98ab6Cq65Oa9qak1ROVh_irfEfuckM/s320/P2240099b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">The Etsy Shop</a></div>
Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-60648730650661160902017-12-17T06:46:00.000-07:002018-12-20T06:31:14.451-07:00Southwest Christmas Tree 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98no6MxXXIj7wXIXl_IOslr_ohyphenhyphenRaXVCnOdkRGesUlXl5jyfplHb6X5MNLtjxJURH-_yTu0kWVRe0bNcbIkfC24RkVCczXy4iKowIuLubEh_X9V4sWBgITXWrOoTCns_QZQWG_Bn2eXc/s1600/PC130027b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98no6MxXXIj7wXIXl_IOslr_ohyphenhyphenRaXVCnOdkRGesUlXl5jyfplHb6X5MNLtjxJURH-_yTu0kWVRe0bNcbIkfC24RkVCczXy4iKowIuLubEh_X9V4sWBgITXWrOoTCns_QZQWG_Bn2eXc/s400/PC130027b.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The earth has spun around the sun
another year, carrying us all reliably through the winter solstice
place on its orbit, caring not a jot about the tumult of the
inhabitants on its surface: the holidays arrive. We have lived
another year, such a good thing, certainly another year wiser and why
not happier too, yes, let it be. For the fourth year our Southwest
Christmas Tree has traveled its short orbit from Arizona room to
living room, and once again is festooned with many handmade
ornaments, some of which are displayed in the <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2015/12/southwest-christmas-tree-year-2.html">Southwest Christmas Tree</a> from 2015.
Special this year is the lovely needlepoint ornament made by my
lovely wife and pictured close up here:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0W65wP55z4CSjnhzR2Wtq7L5PypfNqdxVZBsBngnQXSPL-D1xkv6_fye61-rmcGdjqW9spQ7L4W00rVbgowPvBXQ5elqCyCBYBG8zOHOQKbeKSeK_6oaM5MoqSMmBNP1Naqqe42PyWQ/s1600/PC130019b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB0W65wP55z4CSjnhzR2Wtq7L5PypfNqdxVZBsBngnQXSPL-D1xkv6_fye61-rmcGdjqW9spQ7L4W00rVbgowPvBXQ5elqCyCBYBG8zOHOQKbeKSeK_6oaM5MoqSMmBNP1Naqqe42PyWQ/s320/PC130019b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another ornament made of Baltic birch and using a stock scroll saw pattern was being considered as an item for our <a href="http://www.flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">Etsy shop</a>, but never made it into production...perhaps another year, angel with bugle:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSsM43WTFUsGxFdL9gB3zp89AgEK32OI4bGXE95JbW67wMBFc7wMVwiPFI6OpIZOL7npkwtIexiJKiqCN_agF_NGQs5TtzPnMADZd4_ZgdIQ0B_AOPfWOq-9XmF88LSgswEBRErAp2Nw/s1600/PC150031b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSsM43WTFUsGxFdL9gB3zp89AgEK32OI4bGXE95JbW67wMBFc7wMVwiPFI6OpIZOL7npkwtIexiJKiqCN_agF_NGQs5TtzPnMADZd4_ZgdIQ0B_AOPfWOq-9XmF88LSgswEBRErAp2Nw/s320/PC150031b.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Holidays to all, and as my fellow Columbian said it, "to all a good night!"</div>
<br />Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-14718362806423189832017-11-09T06:16:00.000-07:002017-11-09T06:16:48.509-07:00Ultralight Coffee Table<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSKWGNGvTkE9kTIoRDWZiLQzEXdC8jqydm6X00QRQpvPUsk55LmHTgd6HroL8ygOg9CructVseHh5EtbIpB1fah3x73AtOJHiKn-is8aJEf-loOwxqkVpXxH_tHT19KaC1QWKz1TvLhQ/s1600/PB060032b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSKWGNGvTkE9kTIoRDWZiLQzEXdC8jqydm6X00QRQpvPUsk55LmHTgd6HroL8ygOg9CructVseHh5EtbIpB1fah3x73AtOJHiKn-is8aJEf-loOwxqkVpXxH_tHT19KaC1QWKz1TvLhQ/s400/PB060032b.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
If we reckon the coffee table the truck
and the TV tray table the car, then the ultralight coffee table must
be the crossover. Light enough to pick up with one hand but just
large enough for a nice spread of hors d'oeuvres, this small table
was designed to accompany my side tables called <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2013/05/three-easy-pieces.html">Three Easy Pieces</a>.
Just five pieces of wood, the coffee table is assembled in the same
manner as the side tables with the black walnut legs embedded into
mortises routed slightly more than halfway into the underside of the top. The tripod design make these side tables just precarious
enough to be interesting and keep one alert.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHdWMbjuIpK27cehSD4hVggcj0616_sRBNH4dCQv1lLkHcCzjy2awdcdoi4GlktsOud0OaeydQ4GoHEvEaS71m1Tt4KNhIFHpgDtSiI2_vrWeFWDcLL8z5UuO8CGcn-Z6gbgezlsSSo8/s1600/P5100021b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHdWMbjuIpK27cehSD4hVggcj0616_sRBNH4dCQv1lLkHcCzjy2awdcdoi4GlktsOud0OaeydQ4GoHEvEaS71m1Tt4KNhIFHpgDtSiI2_vrWeFWDcLL8z5UuO8CGcn-Z6gbgezlsSSo8/s320/P5100021b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The tops of the side tables are
straight grain old-growth California redwood salvaged from
architectural shelving in the home of an early Northern Arizona
ranching family, a gift from them to me. The top of the coffee
table, however, is actually old pine salvaged from a kitchen door
jamb in my son's home by the Arizona Inn in Tucson. The jamb was cut
into thirds, glued up and then stained to match the redwood using
Mohawk Wiping Stains, one of my favorites. All the many nail holes
both in the redwood and pine were filled carefully to make them
mostly disappear. Finish for all four pieces is multiple coats of
satin Waterlox, which provides an even wine-resistant coating.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA3i-sZYAWObESC83zeLPf43vZ790jPVXPpK8iq0TkTnVTUFVVBebPU8fvj3wsTVsCNiEsRnPXYvPjFsHtMA8Kydqk31gKIiLq6WO5-bdB36w5AxN2bTt8laeuqRmLlGe7wT_wjNgXnw/s1600/PB030014b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA3i-sZYAWObESC83zeLPf43vZ790jPVXPpK8iq0TkTnVTUFVVBebPU8fvj3wsTVsCNiEsRnPXYvPjFsHtMA8Kydqk31gKIiLq6WO5-bdB36w5AxN2bTt8laeuqRmLlGe7wT_wjNgXnw/s320/PB030014b.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Singular wooden ware + hand carved teaspoons: <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com</a></i></b>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-60716170027583422952017-09-16T13:53:00.000-07:002018-06-01T14:44:33.091-07:00Meyers Collaboration VIII - Framed Needlepoint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_GCjI-60eM4Xoe37LGfwnbQ74FZmDqrVYKb_eFOrtCIRrmytv4jTuCu0wo5Mimb_NDMn7CBT6p5HY4Mfzj7zGGRNbubUCkY5qgDUY5c3HnD62uG2GHV4qy-_EHg_BiPPZ1WA64mIrM4/s1600/P9110004b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_GCjI-60eM4Xoe37LGfwnbQ74FZmDqrVYKb_eFOrtCIRrmytv4jTuCu0wo5Mimb_NDMn7CBT6p5HY4Mfzj7zGGRNbubUCkY5qgDUY5c3HnD62uG2GHV4qy-_EHg_BiPPZ1WA64mIrM4/s400/P9110004b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Marriage is often described as
compromise, but why not collaboration? Our husband and wife
collaborations of needlepoint and woodworking allow us to labor quite easily together without getting
into one an other's hair. In this eighth collaboration it was
necessary to turn the typical flat 2” cherry molding sideways in
order to keep the overall frame size down due to location space constraints. In order to add interest to the perimeter two 1/4”
square black walnut strips were embedded into the cherry. If any
future refinisher wants to sand down this frame they will certainly
never go through such so-to-speak veneer:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BSvUmbiXrhVcbd3PM_tJCAt7IRMUpN1459LJiJ9tELV-k3R0tUdf-_Eb3O_P2D4nzc5zlK0g-GBq3Eny0hcOAwStw66t2wEadzUWXRZ-aIy4QwWnmagbjNKi0LTKSRit9tJg6TliUfc/s1600/P9110015b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BSvUmbiXrhVcbd3PM_tJCAt7IRMUpN1459LJiJ9tELV-k3R0tUdf-_Eb3O_P2D4nzc5zlK0g-GBq3Eny0hcOAwStw66t2wEadzUWXRZ-aIy4QwWnmagbjNKi0LTKSRit9tJg6TliUfc/s320/P9110015b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We are currently using a somewhat
unconventional method of matting needlepoint. Our <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2013/09/meyers-collaboration.html">first collaboration</a>, however, was mounted in the typical fashion of stretching the
needlepoint canvas over a masonite board with heavy thread. Frankly
we found this very difficult and required extreme care not to distort
the canvas. Since then we have developed this cheating method which
is much easier:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A sheet of thin cotton batting is
attached to a piece of mat board, the same dimensions as the
exterior of the cut mat board, using spray adhesive.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The canvas is then “stretched” flat over the cotton batting using one's palms. Interestingly the cotton
acts as a type of weak Velcro and adheres to the canvas keeping it
in position. Also the white color is an excellent background for
visible holes in the canvas. Furthermore the thickness of the batting (about 1/8") prevents knots behind the canvas from telegraphing to the front.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lastly a couple of continuous strips
of double-stick tape are attached to all sides of the back of the
cut mat which is then placed carefully in position, centering the art piece exactly in the cut hole.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In none of our pieces using this method has the needlepoint slipped out of place or sagged.
No promises, though, as to how long this will last. Stretching with thread is still probably better.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I continue to be impressed by the enormous number of hours stitching a piece such as this still life demands.
All things considered the extra detail inlaying black walnut into
the frame may have raised the proportion of my work for one of these
collaborations from the usual 2% to maybe 3%.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nV4of9ucTFjv5yZUokDthq0t6VUoYDE8j7Deub1PUcL5FGiSqB7cP2CJHVIkns_cJTT-u_KdZYpskEQPABFELAbNYKR4WSRfM04zvx2f3Ht0epJUCCPZuVoHHhK8IqtSuMnAUqKYKsk/s1600/P9110018b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8nV4of9ucTFjv5yZUokDthq0t6VUoYDE8j7Deub1PUcL5FGiSqB7cP2CJHVIkns_cJTT-u_KdZYpskEQPABFELAbNYKR4WSRfM04zvx2f3Ht0epJUCCPZuVoHHhK8IqtSuMnAUqKYKsk/s320/P9110018b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Notes: As usual the mat was
expertly cut at <a href="http://www.sarnoffart.com/">Sarnoff Art Supplies & Framing in Tucson.</a> The
glass was removed for the purpose of photography without reflections. The frame is finished with multiple coats of Waterlox Sealer Finish.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Singular wooden ware + hand carved teaspoons at: </b> <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com </a></i></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i></i><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-65182309103550823392017-06-11T05:31:00.001-07:002017-11-08T05:54:09.824-07:0021 Indelible Comments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv5RcDjuArpZbaKTrFZJBQwEDMb3a64fmkR8Ypk5tmKmeiTzrlq6VOAMSPInFmITRP8YIjXYkU5EcXjIfUgPZjgMDy6NHIbP-Q6fheiQl9PUeHRm00HAwQ0Guukv7-B8YjCx43p1v5U8/s1600/P5190158b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRv5RcDjuArpZbaKTrFZJBQwEDMb3a64fmkR8Ypk5tmKmeiTzrlq6VOAMSPInFmITRP8YIjXYkU5EcXjIfUgPZjgMDy6NHIbP-Q6fheiQl9PUeHRm00HAwQ0Guukv7-B8YjCx43p1v5U8/s400/P5190158b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
They are like tunes stuck in your head
but, instead, stuck in your life. Surely dear reader, you too
remember comments people have said to you that are still with you. Can you at this very moment recall any? Yet these comments were not especially poetic, not
necessarily aphoristic, not notably brilliant, not always true, not,
in fact, even "memorable," but nonetheless they remain indelibly. I have searched for some commonality that unites them but find
none: not speaker, place, time, circumstance, age, etc. I can say,
however, with some confidence, that they number no more than thee
dozen or so. By opening myself up to their remembrance they have
come back to me quite easily over the course of only a week or two.
If I ever come up with 21 more I'll post a further collection.<br />
<br />
Yes,
indeed, a few tool tips are included for those of you handy with your hands,
which turns out to be the case with me as I did follow my college
professor's advice in the very last comment:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1) <b>Washing Hands</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To really clean your hands, wash
something else. (J.M.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2) <b>Turds</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you are impressed with the size of
your turds then you're getting enough fiber. (M.K.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3) <b>Marking along a Template</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For real accuracy don't hold the
pencil upright but keep the cone against the guide. (N.L.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
4) <b>Spray Cans</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Always ignored the cleaning advice
about spraying upside down, and they work just fine. (M.D.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
5) <b>Intersections</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Look first to your left on account
that vehicle will hit you soonest. (J.M.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
6) <b>Finches</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Lucky to have them move in as they
will sing their little hearts out for you. (K.C.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
7) <span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Sleep</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Don't
worry about not sleeping...just rest. (F.A.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
8) <b>Jail</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Spend some time in the slammer...it builds
character. (F.A.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
9) <b>Cookies</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Broken cookies are healthier. (O.M.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
10) <b>Early Days of Windows</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I love how you can go in first thing in
the morning and open all your windows. (B.C.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
11) <b>Mental Agility</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Avoid the calculator; doing math
longhand preserves mental agility. (J.A.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
12) <b>Hammering</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ear protection, of course, for the
loud tools, but try it for ordinary hammering. (T.K.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
13) <b>Chairs</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You know you're getting old when you
make noises rising from your chair. (N.B.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ol start="14">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</ol>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
14) <b>Advice from our XT Builder
(1984)</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just remember the first rule of
using a computer: always back up your work. (J.H.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
15) <b>Right Color</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kurt, you don't look good in blue.
(D.G.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
16) <b>Coffee</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the perfect cup pour coffee and
cream simultaneously. (D.K.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
17) <b>Vacation</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sights are
without end; a true vacation is <i>dolce far niente. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">(F.A.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">18)
</span><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>Olives (Eyeballs) and Children</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As soon as you eat ten, you will like them. (J.M.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">19)
</span><b>Speaking Your Mind</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now that I am old I speak my mind, a freedom I lacked in youth.
(J.A.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">20)
</span><b>Meditation</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b> </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Awaken
yourself each morning at 3:00 AM, the ideal time for meditation.
(A.L.)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">21)
</span><b>Academics</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kurt, don't go into academics, it's a nasty business. (L.T.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Readers are offering a few of their own "indelible comments" which I include below. As with my own I am not providing a context, leaving that to the imagination, the important thing being that these words have stuck with the person:<br />
<br />
22) You can always go to the bathroom if you try. (from D.&L. D.)<br />
<br />
23) Because I said so! (from D.&.L. D.)<br />
<br />
24) Stick to theoretical work. (from M.N.)<br />
<br />
25) Gotta eat. (from S.T.)<br />
<br />
26) Has it changed? (S.H.C. <i>debating the merit of a second visit to the Grand Canyon)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<b><i>Singular wooden ware + hand carved teaspoons at: <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com</a></i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-43335766844605491952017-04-08T06:48:00.000-07:002017-11-08T05:56:17.408-07:00Tapering Legs with a Miter Saw -- Woodworking Tip #20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2o0kygUGhayFVJulLOtjBMdastOEZhyphenhyphenSggnv2bB2bkJ2_lbwtGLAhGwaoeFO3fm-jjskiHPqmjiPjMi9M-Cg5ZvmJMM_SStQ8Mrx9uqR7hzzbJwF3wScJih_Pp-IBae0ghYV07QsyEQ/s1600/P2180001b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2o0kygUGhayFVJulLOtjBMdastOEZhyphenhyphenSggnv2bB2bkJ2_lbwtGLAhGwaoeFO3fm-jjskiHPqmjiPjMi9M-Cg5ZvmJMM_SStQ8Mrx9uqR7hzzbJwF3wScJih_Pp-IBae0ghYV07QsyEQ/s400/P2180001b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
To an open mind the woodshop is a cornucopia of novelty. A new approach, an improved jig, a shift in methodology all provide considerable joy. Tapering, as an example, is typically accomplished with
a sliding jig on a table saw. I would usually make a quick jig out
of 3/4” plywood for the required angle...never did own one of those
new-fangled adjustable tapering jigs. Given the commission, however,
of making short solid maple tapered legs for a couch, the thought of
pushing a small block of wood into a table saw blade set 4” high
did not seem appealing. The idea occurred to me of using a miter saw
to cut the tapers as shown below:</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXdHwNbPKDcByeSIRMSjsgEZUU3KvBxDEfT8MZQfdRfPHKlljNGzJ1y4kN_vFbYGXigNNg_DMUBPB2kvpqMeSmA-ySxgZ1Br7q_5OKABwOTA8PPwoqfJ8WFswDMIq6tAMtLS3IvFVaco/s1600/P3140027b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXdHwNbPKDcByeSIRMSjsgEZUU3KvBxDEfT8MZQfdRfPHKlljNGzJ1y4kN_vFbYGXigNNg_DMUBPB2kvpqMeSmA-ySxgZ1Br7q_5OKABwOTA8PPwoqfJ8WFswDMIq6tAMtLS3IvFVaco/s400/P3140027b.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Rather than rotating the blade to the desired angle, cut a guide board to the correct angle. Use the
horizontal vice to hold this piece firmly. The saw blade is simply
locked on a 90<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">º cut (see above photo). </span>The
leg stock is then placed against the scrap wood angle and secured
with the vertical vice pressing down upon a wooden bridge between the
leg stock and another scrap piece of such a height that the bridge is
roughly horizontal. With this set up cut one of every <i>pair</i> of tapers for however many legs you need.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The next step is to rotate the blade toward the left the number of degrees of the taper angle. By flipping the guide board forward to back you can use it to set the blade precisely. Clamp the guide board back in its original position adjusting it left or right as necessary. Place the cut side against the guide board and cut the opposite side of each pair. Really, this is not as hard as it sounds and becomes obvious when you do the set up.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Voil</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>à...</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">you
have a short tapered leg. Do realize that a sharp blade on the miter saw really helps
as your machine struggles to cut through some 8” or so of hardwood!
</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>Singular wooden ware + hand carved teaspoons at: <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com</a></i></b></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-44298253550357283522017-01-28T06:22:00.000-07:002017-11-08T06:02:25.298-07:00Tool Bed Polishing -- Tool Tip #18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjePut01HDCGhNXmg3VcJZ2praa8RiIYW-kOY2VoEttip1c2ak1lmEoRrf6aAmtT9J8lBrPO_dhDXLHhyU3S-SRHRLzGiTLHUkjPtKal5rP88Dz5qdj7xPmb-b46ENstKFIrbhfpHVYgQ/s1600/P1090009b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjePut01HDCGhNXmg3VcJZ2praa8RiIYW-kOY2VoEttip1c2ak1lmEoRrf6aAmtT9J8lBrPO_dhDXLHhyU3S-SRHRLzGiTLHUkjPtKal5rP88Dz5qdj7xPmb-b46ENstKFIrbhfpHVYgQ/s320/P1090009b.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My clearest early memory of silicon
carbide sandpaper, if such is the stuff memories are made of, is in
the hands of a lovely female luthier as she gently hand rubbed the
newly lacquered surface of a gourd-shaped Neapolitan mandolin. She
used the tiniest piece of very fine grit black paper following the
round curve of the instrument's back perfectly with her fingers until
the entire surface was uniform powdery white and ready for yet
another coat of lacquer. Few of my furniture commissions over the
years required this type of mirror finish, and most of my uses for
silicon carbide sandpaper, typically 400 grit, have nothing to do
with finishing wood itself. I have already written about its
excellent application in sharpening chisels when glued to a plate of
plate glass:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzFCvlvmrN_ZH0ZTx0hM25QdbcO-H3V9rzHs-cRfl5pwQ7v9-WnbwY9Blx7YwHbKyEj-nmiAH3zK4-mL8demnwP6zF6jEjiX14y6sKXBPJAJaZ5yVYMsBpgpsScshXW_lWMTqsaFqx8Q/s1600/Fast+Sharpening+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGzFCvlvmrN_ZH0ZTx0hM25QdbcO-H3V9rzHs-cRfl5pwQ7v9-WnbwY9Blx7YwHbKyEj-nmiAH3zK4-mL8demnwP6zF6jEjiX14y6sKXBPJAJaZ5yVYMsBpgpsScshXW_lWMTqsaFqx8Q/s320/Fast+Sharpening+020.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Read more about this particular use at: <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2010/12/lean-thinking-tip-6-fast-sharpening.html">Fast Sharpening</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another blog post suggests silicon carbide sandpaper in order to prevent slippage between the surface of a miter gauge and a piece
of wood: <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.blogspot.com/2010/11/woodworking-tip-8-anti-skid-miter-gauge.html">Anti-Skid Miter Gauge</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5TcJma-RtfHqmTN9L2jOaVcYU-2k4c0Kk4Tx91E_Q8qN0__qL9FCG2XPLZBK1Z43TYfImK56n3u_wSm6Q8IMyas8sUVhmx3HRfi1IfZHJloWm3uAo7AnYJtUp6ZZOq4FUOYtZ7rldnA/s1600/Anti-Skid+Miter+Gage+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX5TcJma-RtfHqmTN9L2jOaVcYU-2k4c0Kk4Tx91E_Q8qN0__qL9FCG2XPLZBK1Z43TYfImK56n3u_wSm6Q8IMyas8sUVhmx3HRfi1IfZHJloWm3uAo7AnYJtUp6ZZOq4FUOYtZ7rldnA/s320/Anti-Skid+Miter+Gage+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today's tip is about yet another excellent
application. Use 400 grit silicon carbide sandpaper attached to a
hard rubber sanding block to clean, smooth and polish machine tool
beds and tables as well as other machined metal surfaces such as the sole of a
handplane. The block can also remove gunk, grime, high spots and burrs from the base plates of jigsaws, circular saws, plate joiners, etc. Expect the sandpaper to load quickly and have extra sheets on hand.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You have a machine shop in your hand. Move with the grain of the factory machining. The few first passes
immediately reveal low and high spots on a tool bed, such as at the
throat of a jointer where you definitely don't want any miniature ski
jump. Do stop short though of trying this on the cylinder head of
that old Chevy V8 engine you're rebuilding.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>Singular wooden ware + hand carved teaspoons at: <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com</a></i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx3BcLWm6i4sdBWEPtyofiYMTlLSZL-SyroIjNTe4KkZpBHNSktZHGMkZAoiQdXB-ELXPpdnaxA_89tp1tMNr9heJaPeY6gkmfROSD_2LrRcUbn5qFqLR7RozzieCVf3PalOJ8cfE4rU/s1600/P1240022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidx3BcLWm6i4sdBWEPtyofiYMTlLSZL-SyroIjNTe4KkZpBHNSktZHGMkZAoiQdXB-ELXPpdnaxA_89tp1tMNr9heJaPeY6gkmfROSD_2LrRcUbn5qFqLR7RozzieCVf3PalOJ8cfE4rU/s320/P1240022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-31395780911416643662017-01-06T05:37:00.000-07:002017-11-08T06:03:47.901-07:00Glass as a Cabinet Scraper -- Woodworking Tip #19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyBckvn0CWl6ceSL8iFGwRmlIflrzHUfiKKaYrKjTg_2wMGmdUIUDDwQMi8D8D_vpLlGjxWqUVpHykQCFqE2DgdLZKolLh3NJrpclmAB3SNxP8AE4LFdcGlLDOjEOZZQTCh1saRRpc9Q/s1600/P1050025b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyBckvn0CWl6ceSL8iFGwRmlIflrzHUfiKKaYrKjTg_2wMGmdUIUDDwQMi8D8D_vpLlGjxWqUVpHykQCFqE2DgdLZKolLh3NJrpclmAB3SNxP8AE4LFdcGlLDOjEOZZQTCh1saRRpc9Q/s400/P1050025b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I first encountered the use of glass as a cabinet scraper in the Chelsea studio of the Greek artist Michael Lekakis. Michael was a brilliant postwar abstract sculptor working primarily in wood, his works shown in preeminent galleries and museums on both sides of the Atlantic. The glass was a surprise to me. Its use often provided the final finish to his wood sculptures as he had an aversion to sandpaper as far as I could tell.</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scraps of glass are plentiful and easy to come by from framers, hardware stores, glass businesses, etc. I use pieces roughly the side of a 3x5 file card, big enough to put two thumbs on without having to worry about the precision placement required by texting. The glass is drawn toward one at roughly a 45º angle give or take. Few furniture makers have the skill to create that perfectly hooked burr on the edge of a metal scraper, but here 8 very sharp edges are immediately available. They make lovely curled little shavings. They do not dull easily, but once they are, toss the scraper into the recycling bin. The photo shows the glass scraper in use to trim the edge of a drawer for a good fit. If using a glass scraper on a large surface the corners will need be rounded, sandpaper works, thus preventing possible scratches.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have used glass scrapers with great success most all of my career and am hardly the only woodworker to do so, though the practice does not seem widespread, deserving of further dissemination. </span> </div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><i>Singular wooden ware + hand carved teaspoons at: <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com</a></i></b><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFn1utdXoMJrbpo6J_rOuuowB8SSJ2t2GbgDJP2pULpjpPnRavQdtthMS6DS5sNIubhI-rzbfT4b1EWmfxhgsAT7TlDpVU5xtlWOrEA2MsS_ifvFsWm0y-RnudG7Pb5Z8lN4Ex9Rxtsc/s1600/P1050034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFn1utdXoMJrbpo6J_rOuuowB8SSJ2t2GbgDJP2pULpjpPnRavQdtthMS6DS5sNIubhI-rzbfT4b1EWmfxhgsAT7TlDpVU5xtlWOrEA2MsS_ifvFsWm0y-RnudG7Pb5Z8lN4Ex9Rxtsc/s320/P1050034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-54829554626302111512016-12-03T05:34:00.000-07:002017-11-08T06:04:37.958-07:00Meyers Collaboration VII -- Framed Needlepoint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIAyO6V2T95dT4rd55VxmL4V0s04tPnqeV3pOQfrGjkqx3ahECGdBkA83eAxfNv6-6hJ7SW6cizyjRga7ucMzK-YuMkm6iVo1RXeCPWSJpHw-znjQdmFD36XNDU6_D-P-xNBbtYHreIc/s1600/PC010027b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIAyO6V2T95dT4rd55VxmL4V0s04tPnqeV3pOQfrGjkqx3ahECGdBkA83eAxfNv6-6hJ7SW6cizyjRga7ucMzK-YuMkm6iVo1RXeCPWSJpHw-znjQdmFD36XNDU6_D-P-xNBbtYHreIc/s400/PC010027b.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is the seventh collaboration
between my wife Sara Meyers and myself in which she stitches the
needlepoint work, and I build the frame. As mentioned in previous
posts about these pieces the use of the term collaboration is really
a misnomer as 98% - 99% of the work rests in the stitching, a rather
rigorous art requiring the difficult friendship of patience and
concentration. I am simply amazed by her beautiful work. The heart shape, however, provided a significant challenge to
matting. We checked at least four commercial frame shops in Tucson, and none were able to cut the
inner mat precisely to the shape of the heart, though the outer mat
was nicely cut, as always, by Jinou Naval at Sarnoff Custom Framing.
Our friend Nathan Benson took up the challenge, and through a
time-consuming and considerable sequence of image transfers and
manipulations he was able to program his laser engraver to cut the inner
mat very close to the perimeter of the heart. Sara then added a
background continental stitch of gray thread around the silver heart
perimeter to fill the small remaining gap and cover the raw canvas.
Nathan was also able to add the nice touch of a subtle and delicate
"signature" and date to Sara's piece:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD3xIaByveTguQ2TIJGl4WEyGST7QTBtYWGUR2OQPlB37JBGk5d3w_lt_eCYfQRN88OjAbYiNw6-W61MMLAShPAMZQGLYuHfjCb039Obg3UC9yVtB-YWjD98dk4Cx9Vbj1Agrt_8bU7I/s1600/PC010018b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD3xIaByveTguQ2TIJGl4WEyGST7QTBtYWGUR2OQPlB37JBGk5d3w_lt_eCYfQRN88OjAbYiNw6-W61MMLAShPAMZQGLYuHfjCb039Obg3UC9yVtB-YWjD98dk4Cx9Vbj1Agrt_8bU7I/s320/PC010018b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Several combinations of speed and power proved unable to eliminate laser scorching of the paper, though 50% power did work better. The edge of the mat was completely Cajun and brown flares radiated onto the surface. This is not surprising considering the low ignition point of paper, Fahrenheit 451 if I recall, a number we might keep in mind. Interestingly, about 90% of the surface scorching could be removed with a simple white eraser which did not alter at all the texture or sheen of the mat board (also obtained from Sarnoff). When it came to removing the charred surface on the mat's cut edge 180 grit sandpaper worked very well. The image below shows the mat board prior to removal of the scorching:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-YhZcSYiij86gMoPp2ASNIqZBZF0jqanMu2jO75Ce6D90O3AZjVvWkS4_F-hjfyZR0zLTufDCm9i2ho89k8xn0POx79Zwdx37uUlKuwa4D9PORTZULTcag59BRxe9dXNMxSNnjYftgM/s1600/PC010033b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-YhZcSYiij86gMoPp2ASNIqZBZF0jqanMu2jO75Ce6D90O3AZjVvWkS4_F-hjfyZR0zLTufDCm9i2ho89k8xn0POx79Zwdx37uUlKuwa4D9PORTZULTcag59BRxe9dXNMxSNnjYftgM/s320/PC010033b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Singular wooden ware + hand carved teaspoons at:</i></b> <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com</a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7284558817906121443.post-61995538948837531892016-10-01T10:34:00.000-07:002017-11-08T06:06:45.207-07:00Windsor Chair Rush Replacement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJXNAaEwq5VCxH9rIeA6PXmCpdDilLUIt4wmJhy1LJTvaxeGv_WbqxO_H-SuP0wbWLn_FfmJnfe5rOJHy-0DBfJMIqg2CesPAOsBwpBavPBMZP6zhwjd64jwBHMhRrAu4GPXOtaeItwY/s400/P9250006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
The Finished Chair</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
There is a certain joy and satisfaction
to a well done furniture repair...the patient can walk again. My
experience has been that about half of the necessity for repair
derives from design flaws rather than accidents or even overuse. The
most common table repair, for instance, is a cracked tabletop caused
by an incorrect attachment of the top to its supporting stringers
that does not allow for the seasonal expansion and contraction of the
top boards. Such was the case with this Windsor chair. The rush
split right behind the front rail as shown below because the makers
had left this corner completely sharp when it should have been
“relieved,” that is rounded over so as not to create a cutting
edge:<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisE0D3Uog-fjY3i9q8yn8kQRsOtCDv7E_F3T05wdoHCWOHWxl15J2kYBTIP-G0kqzeHJcKuiKUs6HlmYNqrTvUBo3TcbvBCIQHAEOEJqflVGuOFL4Mg7l-O-MgTOGEBQf3JFUj_-joW4/s1600/P9060001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisE0D3Uog-fjY3i9q8yn8kQRsOtCDv7E_F3T05wdoHCWOHWxl15J2kYBTIP-G0kqzeHJcKuiKUs6HlmYNqrTvUBo3TcbvBCIQHAEOEJqflVGuOFL4Mg7l-O-MgTOGEBQf3JFUj_-joW4/s320/P9060001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Weaving cane I had done, a very
laborious process, but I had never woven rush. So the first matter
was to find the appropriate replacement material. I had read that in
antique pieces such as this natural rush was the preferred material,
but when I received it I realized that the chair had, indeed, been
done in fiber rush, the natural rush being too coarse, too thick and
variegated. I found the correct fiber rush 4/32” thick at <a href="http://basketmakerscatalog.com/">The Basket Maker's Catalog</a> and ordered 3 coils (250') to be safe, though
only two were utilized. Before removing the old rush, however, a
serious obstacle appeared: the rush passed through a secondary rail
in the back of the seat which had to be removed. It was attached
with both large wood screws covered by buttons as well as dowels:
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZS9BbRj7mU_wKLYi319hSbe5fUQ1kXiqujyeb1O2sED3MoGSu8mJ1kIr3gWPDwO4slIVSN3UAGrI95ShiOzbJnjQz3_Jerkj-qB1LCVP4YFRpkBZEnxPIzVsCduLKlMVQqjMmDHBNpVM/s1600/P9250010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZS9BbRj7mU_wKLYi319hSbe5fUQ1kXiqujyeb1O2sED3MoGSu8mJ1kIr3gWPDwO4slIVSN3UAGrI95ShiOzbJnjQz3_Jerkj-qB1LCVP4YFRpkBZEnxPIzVsCduLKlMVQqjMmDHBNpVM/s320/P9250010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Murphy, of course, now arrived to help out.
Virtually every old chair I've repaired literally falls apart with a
few strikes of a deadblow hammer. The joints on this chair seemed
welded together, and it took drilling, heat, and extreme tension
using strap clamps to pull the chair balusters out of the hooped back
in order to remove this rail. Luckily only one of them split:<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike><br /></strike>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSTHytMRV3rv8_Fzb0ihlAEy2-GAKE40vgzK3Da2mkmVdlSrarDM6w2vcXcVkwfuhpW5kf96D6fHBJRVeq23nMLo_UqJ52GtdJDvEmEo49LOqADsY2KNOaXrs_kgMXcMTPVKR4yLa2EM/s1600/P9060007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSTHytMRV3rv8_Fzb0ihlAEy2-GAKE40vgzK3Da2mkmVdlSrarDM6w2vcXcVkwfuhpW5kf96D6fHBJRVeq23nMLo_UqJ52GtdJDvEmEo49LOqADsY2KNOaXrs_kgMXcMTPVKR4yLa2EM/s320/P9060007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The second matter was how to do it...so
turning to YouTube, I found an excellent video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQkE05DD9_Y&noredirect=1">How to Weave a Seat in a Rush Chair</a> by Ed Hammond. Also, since the Windsor chair has no corners I also watched his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzNYwUQ-e_o">How to Weave a Rush Frame that Has No Corners</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As recommended by Ed Hammond's video, I noted and photographed the
pattern used by the makers such as the manner that shorter pieces of rush
were individually started to compensate for the differing number of strands in the
front and back of the chair:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGV7zpBs5FVp2Y25gJp2s7mOpGfsqPD9NH87P3ifO2DwdnywGXmpKr1GNt_CFxxYd9xOhG-fVebWVAVgkHtg2olswfhvpkScqT55Y82oeNI-DNkkh3pNd9nMmqkEaTEnF5wQS165i-VI/s1600/P9060017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGV7zpBs5FVp2Y25gJp2s7mOpGfsqPD9NH87P3ifO2DwdnywGXmpKr1GNt_CFxxYd9xOhG-fVebWVAVgkHtg2olswfhvpkScqT55Y82oeNI-DNkkh3pNd9nMmqkEaTEnF5wQS165i-VI/s320/P9060017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Between the upper and lower courses of
rush wadded brown paper had been added for extra support, and though the
video recommended using small triangles of cardboard I decided to
reuse the paper, wetting it well and then stuffing it between the
rush layers. This provided a nice filler especially because the frame was made of fairly thick stock. The photo shows the placement of the paper by the original makers:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDAZJD0oUaRyausmkGgA4I32ABZx6W2SC1Zz3xpHRz25MgqgDCxb5zb6cLN0SUAE9tfSyXB7VLreVOXixYPYqI8WmfjGuKZF9bwrwCHCMx6Y6cykLCZd1UgkilTSuY5ZOx6-u9IpgdJg/s1600/P9060010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDAZJD0oUaRyausmkGgA4I32ABZx6W2SC1Zz3xpHRz25MgqgDCxb5zb6cLN0SUAE9tfSyXB7VLreVOXixYPYqI8WmfjGuKZF9bwrwCHCMx6Y6cykLCZd1UgkilTSuY5ZOx6-u9IpgdJg/s320/P9060010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The one suggestion I would have liked
to have had in retrospect is paying better attention to the line
formed at the row of intersecting strands, perhaps even using a
triangle to keep the alignment true. Always fun to try a new skill and inevitably learn the numerous small details that constitute quality work. I managed to weave just one short of the number of strands the original makers used, but still my next weaving would certainly benefit from the lessons learned.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Singular wooden ware + hand carved teaspoons at: </i></b> <a href="http://flyingcircusstudios.etsy.com/">FlyingCircusStudios.Etsy.com</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Kurt J. Meyershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05569108257154926667noreply@blogger.com0